By Kenya Godette
Dwight S. Riddick II, Ph.D., and Jennell Whitfield Riddick, Ph.D., led a community conversation, titled “Building the Beloved Community,” during the 41st annual Old Dominion University Martin Luther King Jr. Observance on January 29 in the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena.
Dr. Dwight Riddick is a global speaker with more than a decade of experience in executive coaching and more than 17 years in organizational leadership. Dr. Jennell Riddick, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Walk In It Inc., has authored three books and received several awards for community impact.
Speaking to a crowd of more than 150 community members, students, faculty and staff, the motivational speakers and co-pastors of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News shared their perspectives on how to build a “beloved community” based on principles that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared more than 50 years ago.
Moderated by Cathy Lewis, on behalf of Old Dominion University, the program included short excerpts of three poignant speeches Dr. King shared during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement between 1954 and 1968.
The clips highlighted themes ranging from education serving as an engine for progress to holding shared values as a community. The featured speakers offered reflections and contemporary context for each.
Audience members were invited to ask questions, including one focused on, “Everyone is needed to help build a beloved community. What is your advice to those who are still working to find a place and space to give back?”
In response, Dr. Jennell Riddick shared the story of Harriet Glickman, who changed the trajectory of the “Peanuts” comic strip with a single letter to its creator, Charles M. Schulz, advocating for the inclusion of an African American character.
“Keep searching for your space, and resolve that you’re going to make an impact,” she said.
Dr. Dwight Riddick added, “Don’t run from imperfection. Whatever your contribution is, don’t feel like it has to be perfect to be accepted.”
The observance also included the presentation of the Old Dominion University Hugo Owens Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award to Jonathan
Zur, president and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). The award was presented by Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and Hugo Owens Jr.
The award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made considerable contributions to civil rights, politics, housing and social programs.
“I don’t seek out the spotlight, and I don’t really like being the center of attention,” Zur said. “And part of the reason this is an uncomfortable place for me to stand is I know anything I have contributed and any success that I have has been based in collective work.”
Under Zur’s leadership, the VCIC has been locally and nationally recognized for its effectiveness and is noted in “NO COLORS: 100 Ways to Stop Gangs from Taking Away Our Communities” as the best in the nation for promoting nonviolence and understanding in a high school.
IZur currently serves as a trustee for the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, a member of the Racial Equity Advisory Council for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation and the Multilingual Learner Success Advisory Council for Richmond Public Schools.
Among his many accolades, Zur has received the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award, the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the Leadership Metro Richmond Ukrop Community Vision Award.
“I firmly believe the only way to achieve justice is to do it together, to honor those who have come before us and passed the baton,” Zur said.
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance is a long-standing and proud tradition at Old Dominion University to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reflect on the institution’s mission and celebrate our impact on communities and individuals.