ALAMOSA — Adams State University distinctly celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Ed Crowther, former chair of the History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Political Science, gave a presentation titled M.L.K. in the Age of Trump on Monday afternoon in McDaniel Hall.

When giving the introduction to the event, Dr. Rich Loosebrock noted that learning and the push for continued education is one of the best ways to honor the memory of Dr. King.

Crowther began by telling the audience that he wanted to present King “in an accessible way” and expressed his belief that the civil rights movement “produced change, but not perfection.” He further noted that the work of advocating for social change that King began is endless. He expressed his belief that King’s story is an illustration of how “when life gives you an opportunity, you find out what you bring to the table.”

He went on to describe King’s 13 years of public work, including his instrumental role in the events that led to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. According to thekingcenter.org, “The Beloved Community” is a term that was first coined in the early days of the 20th century by the philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation. However, it was Martin Luther King, Jr., also a member of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, who popularized the term.

The idea of nonviolence and justice was central to King’s vision of a world where wealth would be shared and injustice would not be tolerated.

Crowther noted that he views America as being far from these ideals.

He also stressed how the idea of the “beloved community continues to be a forum for debate, even though Kings’ death was over 50 years ago.

He concluded that the idea of reconciliation is powerful.

He encouraged listeners to celebrate the possibilities of King’s vision and to “be the best members of the Beloved Community that you can be.”