Ella Baker. Martin Luther King Jr. Ida Wells. Fannie Lou Hamer.

Those civil rights icons were among myriad mentioned by name during the American University community’s Black History Month celebration at the Kay Spiritual Life Center (KSLC) on February 26.

The commemoration service, hosted by KSLC and the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, focused on how individuals can advance social justice issues and make collective progress.

“We know that the arc of the moral universe is long, but we also know it bends toward justice,” said Dayne Hutchinson, assistant vice president for student engagement and success, paraphrasing King’s famous quotation. “But let’s be clear—it bends because of the hands that pull it, the voices that demand it, and the communities that refuse to let injustice go.”

The power of community was on display throughout the event, which featured prayer and poetry. The AU Gospel Choir’s renditions of “We Shall Overcome” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” also inspired the audience to rise and sing along.

Rev. Rachel Livingston, associate pastor at neighboring National United Methodist Church, delivered the keynote address.   

 “We have been taught history in a way in which we seem to be looking for that central messiah, that one central figure, because we were told that Martin Luther King Jr., alone, gave us our rights,” Livingston said. “Some of the stories that are shared today and stories that are untold are proof that it takes the hands, thoughts, and work of the many to change the world.

“You, too, can make a difference together in this world. You and you and you and you—all of you,” Livingston said while pointing into the crowd. “Believe that you should see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that’s what scripture tells us to do. Be strong and let your heart take courage because God invites us to be bold and to change our world.”

One of AU’s own was honored for doing that work. Andrea Moore, CAS/BA ’88, received the MLK Jr. Visionary Award, which celebrates AU alumni who make a difference in DC.

Moore said a “responsibility to serve” was instilled in her by her mother, whom she called a professional volunteer. Continuing that legacy, Moore has served for 15 years as president of the Pearl Foundation, which supports local youth by awarding $75,000 in scholarships annually and hosting the Summer Slam Basketball Tournament.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the MLK Jr. Visionary Award [from] American University, a place that has been instrumental in my journey,” Moore said. “This moment is even more special because Kay Spiritual Life Center was home to me when I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Standing here today feels like [coming] full circle.”