Camtastic Newsletter February 2025
A Living Legacy: Reflecting on Dr. King’s Vision at SIU’s MLK Breakfast
Graduate Student Taylor Lawrence reflects on personal lessons of resilience, unity and power of diversity and calls people to action to continue King’s legacy.
By Taylor Lawrence
Graduate Student, Professional Media & Media Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, an annual event dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest leaders.
I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech this year. As a graduate student in Professional Media and Media Management and an active contributor to the SIU community, this opportunity was both humbling and profoundly inspiring.
In my speech, I reflected on the personal connections that anchor my appreciation of Black history, many of which were cultivated during my upbringing. My father instilled in me and my twin brother a deep understanding of our history by introducing us to seminal works such as “Eyes on the Prize’ and “Roots.”
These lessons became invaluable touchstones, reminding me of the sacrifices that forged the path I walk today. My mother’s determination and resilience have been equally influential. Her pursuit of a doctorate, coupled with her guidance that, as a Black woman, I would need to work harder to be seen as qualified is a lesson I carry with me in everything I do. I also reflected on the support of my brothers, whose encouragement reminds me of Dr. King’s belief in the power of unity and love.
This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” encourages us to embody Dr. King’s values in our daily lives. For me, this means promoting teamwork, respect and inclusion in my work as a sideline reporter for SIU Athletics. Through the stories I share about athletes and coaches, I aim to highlight values that bring people together and reflect Dr. King’s teachings. Dr King’s dream of a Beloved Community inspires me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sports media industry. Sports have the unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds, and I believe in using my platform to ensure that every voice is represented. I also strive to give back through community outreach, whether by mentoring young people, supporting youth sports programs, or partnering with organizations that promote social justice. By taking these actions, I hope to honor Dr. King’s legacy and contribute to meaningful change. 
In closing, I encourage everyone to reflect on how they can help continue Dr. King’s work. His vision of a world rooted in equality, justice and unity requires all of us to act—whether through advocating for change, supporting our communities or treating others with kindness and respect. The MLK Breakfast at SIU is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the work we still must do. Let us all strive to make Dr. King’s dream a reality, one step at a time.
Graduate Student Taylor Lawrence reflects on personal lessons of resilience, unity and power of diversity and calls people to action to continue King’s legacy.
By Taylor Lawrence
Graduate Student, Professional Media & Media Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, an annual event dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest leaders.
I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech this year. As a graduate student in Professional Media and Media Management and an active contributor to the SIU community, this opportunity was both humbling and profoundly inspiring.
In my speech, I reflected on the personal connections that anchor my appreciation of Black history, many of which were cultivated during my upbringing. My father instilled in me and my twin brother a deep understanding of our history by introducing us to seminal works such as “Eyes on the Prize’ and “Roots.” These lessons became invaluable touchstones, reminding me of the sacrifices that forged the path I walk today. My mother’s determination and resilience have been equally influential. Her pursuit of a doctorate, coupled with her guidance that, as a Black woman, I would need to work harder to be seen as qualified is a lesson I carry with me in everything I do. I also reflected on the support of my brothers, whose encouragement reminds me of Dr. King’s belief in the power of unity and love.
This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” encourages us to embody Dr. King’s values in our daily lives. For me, this means promoting teamwork, respect and inclusion in my work as a sideline reporter for SIU Athletics. Through the stories I share about athletes and coaches, I aim to highlight values that bring people together and reflect Dr. King’s teachings. Dr King’s dream of a Beloved Community inspires me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sports media industry. Sports have the unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds, and I believe in using my platform to ensure that every voice is represented. I also strive to give back through community outreach, whether by mentoring young people, supporting youth sports programs, or partnering with organizations that promote social justice. By taking these actions, I hope to honor Dr. King’s legacy and contribute to meaningful change. In closing, I encourage everyone to reflect on how they can help continue Dr. King’s work. His vision of a world rooted in equality, justice and unity requires all of us to act—whether through advocating for change, supporting our communities or treating others with kindness and respect. The MLK Breakfast at SIU is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the work we still must do. Let us all strive to make Dr. King’s dream a reality, one step at a time.