“The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally planning committee commits to promoting the life and dreams of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Leola Bullock through positive youth action.”
Nebraska students organize ‘life-changing’ MLK Jr. rally
Credit KLKN Channel 8 Matthew Mittlieder • January 20, 2024
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Dozens of students from Lincoln and Omaha gathered Saturday to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally, which was organized by middle and high school students, was held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.
The rally featured speeches, poems and songs performed by the students.
They shared their stories and experiences, as well as history about MLK and racial tensions in America.
Officials said the event is meant to empower and educate students by making their voices heard.
Jeremiah Theork, a senior at Lincoln High School, said he wants young people to have an impact on their communities.
“I really wanted to touch youth and elected officials with my speech,” he said. “It’s just a beautiful thing to see people out in the community and youth coming out and supporting other youth. I believe it’s such a powerful thing.”
Theork said MLK is an inspiration to him and many other students.
“What he’s done in the past is actually influencing the present and the future,” he said. “And that is exactly why we’re commemorating him, and his works, and other Black civil rights activists who also gave their lives … to give us the freedoms we have now.”
Other students said it can be difficult for young people to speak up sometimes.
Rafa Ahmed, a sophomore at North Star High School, said events like these provide a safe environment where family, friends and peers can show their support.
“This was a great vessel to be able to share my voice and say what I wanted to say where I wanted to say it,” she said.
Ahmed said this year was her first time participating, but she’ll definitely be back again next year.
“It was, I would say, life-changing,” she said. “Which sounds dramatic, but it’s such a great opportunity and a great experience.”
The students encouraged everyone to continue spreading love and to turn out next year for the 30th annual rally.
Continue to check our website for updates. Thanks for your support. We look forward to your continued support of the Planning Committee's mission.
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Please do not hesitate to contact Lead Adult Advisor Peter Ferguson at mlkyouthrally@gmail.com with any questions.
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Thank You To Our 2024 Rally Stakeholders
2024 Empowerment Stakeholders
2024 Bridge Builder Stakeholders • 93.7 The Ticket KNTK FM Sports Radio • Hastings College (Hastings, Nebraska) Lighthouse (Lincoln, NE) • Doane University • Belmont Community Center • Food Bank of Lincoln, Inc.
2024 Inclusion Stakeholders • Office of TRIO Programs –University of Nebraska-Lincoln • Dr. Bess Scott (Lincoln, NE) • Lincoln Community Playhouse • Bryan Health • Lincoln Public Schools • NAACP Lincoln Branch (Lincoln, NE) • Lincoln City Libraries Hodges-Bolkovac Family (Lincoln, NE) • Koopmann Family (Lincoln, NE) • Ferguson Family (Lincoln, NE) • Kirkland Family (Lincoln, NE) • Office of Diversity and Inclusion - University of Nebraska-Lincoln • LNKTV City & Education • University of Nebraska-Lincoln • ACLU of Nebraska
2024 Step Stakeholders • Nate Woods and Family • University of Nebraska-Lincoln • Lincoln Journal Star • City of Lincoln, Nebraska • Action Electric • Keith L. Brown - 2020 Enterprises • Bennie Shobe – Lincoln City Council • Cramer Family (Omaha, NE) • Mentor Nebraska • Sändra Washington – Lincoln City Council Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola • Mentor Nebraska • Rebecca and Derrick Pearson • Bobbie Ehrlich • Lincoln Sports Foundation • Lincoln Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Sam Stecher
2024 Love Stakeholders • Anonymous • James A Yankech • Jaden Ferguson • Phil Maynard • Anonymous • Barry Thomas Dr. Catherine Wilson • Anonymous • Anonymous • Brian Corr • Mindy Burbach • Pat Shepard • Mary Simeck • Terence Jackson • Anonymous • Jay Pitts, Jr. • Michael Alvarez • Carrie Bolkovac
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