MHCC ALUMNUS DISCUSSES PROGRESS BEYOND MLK JR.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, informational programming took place on Wednesday and Thursday around campus to honor his  life and work and that of other civil rights leaders.

A highlight on Wednesday came when Larry Morgan, former MHCC student and ASG president, returned to campus to talk about the work he’s done in diversity and politics, and the ways that everyone can work towards a more inclusive future.

MHCC President Lisa Skari first welcomed everyone Wednesday morning as the college began its MLK celebrations and discussions. She acknowledged the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus, and thanked those who put in a lot of behind-the-scenes work for the programming. She also thanked Gresham mayor Shane Bemis for attending.

John Hamblin, MHCC executive dean of student development, introduced the keynote speaker, Morgan. A Mt. Hood alumnus, he became the college’s first African-American ASG President nearly a decade ago, winning by just two votes. He recently completed his term as Troutdale’s first African-American, and youngest, city council member. He’s worked around the country and beyond, leading conversations on diversity while listening to and supporting the needs of the community around him.

Calvin Walker, MHCC academic adviser, led the discussion with Morgan. Walker began by talking about how the two first met: Morgan came into Walker’s office with his grandmother and Walker happened to mention that there had never been an African-American ASG president. Before he knew it, Morgan was campaigning and was elected.

When addressing topics such as gentrification, the education system, and the overall current political climate, Morgan’s thoughts come down to the way we communicate. He talked about how social media and the internet have evolved in a way where it’s easy to find support for any perspective to validate one’s beliefs as opposed to learning about differing viewpoints.

Morgan also talked about the importance of listening to each other and fully understanding one another, instead of just assuming things about people from a few self-identifying labels.

He highlighted the importance of local government because it impacts communities the most directly, and recommended that when people want to get involved with political campaigns, they look locally first. He said that often folks who are running for local government positions need the support more than do those in national campaigns.

In terms of other things people can do to support diversity and inclusion, Morgan suggested breaking out of complacency, especially for those who are in a position of privilege. For students specifically, he said that he remembers there being a lot of issues with “PCP” – parking lot, class, parking lot – the way that a lot of students spend an average day on campus. He strongly encourages students to use the unlimited resources they have while they have access to them. In thinking of civil rights movements, he also reminded everyone that the college campus is really a strong symbol for fully utilizing our right to free speech.

Overall, Morgan and Walker both want everyone to continue conversations, and, more importantly, to work to continue progress on diversity and inclusion beyond the holidays/celebrations that remind us of their importance.

“Strive to be better every day,” said Morgan.