“The way of peace is the way of love, and the way of love is the way of inclusion.” Stated Dr. Joshua Harper, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harper, a Wilkes professor shared this quote in his speech at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration “Imani In Everyday” at the JPAC on January 20, 2026. Hosted by both the Office of Diversity Initiatives and Multicultural Student Coalition, this event honored the holiday that celebrates not only Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, but all of his ideas, hopes, dreams and especially faith in what the world can be, that so many people still share with him today.
The ceremony opened with greetings and a welcoming statement from Erica Acosta, the Director of Diversity Initiatives, along with the Chief Operating Officer Dr. LeFleur Smalls and Multicultural student Noor Almeky. Almeky was speaking about the meaning of Imani. Imani, the focus of the event, is celebrated on the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa on January 1, and it means “faith”. This faith focuses on believing in yourself, your community and the ongoing effort to create a better and more just world. Imani encourages faith in the strength and future of the African American community and in the pursuit of freedom, justice and equality. This Imani was shared, encouraged and fought for by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Kovat-Bernat, an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Africana Studies, took a deeper dive into Imani. Dr. Kovat-Bernat explained that having faith is not just “wishful thinking,” but that it is “a belief, a faith in one’s actions, faith in oneself and faith in the future.” The Wilkes Professor continued on to explain that having Imani guides you toward your future, and to approach and continue the ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. you must have faith in the actions you are taking to achieve it.
The keynote speaker of the event was Darian Bryant, a member of the Wilkes football coaching staff for the past two years. Bryant earned his bachelor’s degree from Temple University in African Studies and Africology and then continued his education at Towson University, where he earned his master’s degree in Global Humanities. He eventually earned a second degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Urban Education from Virginia Union University. In his speech, he spoke about how valuable education is, stating that “the classroom at this institution is developing our next great leaders.” Throughout his career, he has traveled the world teaching this philosophy to all ages. Bryant explained his belief in “the role of students and educators driving the progress of our society.” He shared that “the classroom is the beginning of change, the beginning of problem-solving, of debate–it’s the incubator of knowledge.” Bryant concluded his speech that educators “must foster an environment that empowers our students to lead when change comes,” just as many powerful leaders before them have done, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whom he referenced in his speech.
Joshua Ermeus, a public relations student, performed the Black National Anthem prior to Bryant’s speech, and the Wilkes University Choir performed at the end of the event. However, the star of the show was Heaven Millirons, a Nanticoke High School student who sang “Stand Up,” as both of her siblings attend Wilkes University. As she reached the chorus of the song, the entire room began to clap and sing along with her. It was a powerful moment that fostered a connection among everyone in the room. Everyone who attended came together to share the ideas, beliefs, and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and this connection was a perfect example of his faith—or even greater, his Imani.
