A gathering in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 19, 2026, commemorated the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. during a birthday event hosted by Project STORY. The celebration, held at The Writing Gallery, featured poignant speeches that highlighted ongoing issues of racism and inequality in education.
Raoul Kahurwa, a board member of Project STORY, spoke passionately about the lingering effects of segregation in schools. His remarks were prompted by recent comments from a state House education committee chair regarding educational policies. Kahurwa emphasized the alarming statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, which indicate that while Black students comprise 15% of school enrollment nationwide, they represent 45% of school suspension days.
“These outcomes don’t happen by accident,” Kahurwa stated. “They are shaped by leadership, policy, and power.” His words resonated with the audience, which included many children and their parents, illustrating the continuing relevance of King’s message for today’s society.
The event also featured young speakers, such as Aaron Ntshibambuyi, a 13-year-old student at Rundlett Middle School. Ntshibambuyi, the son of refugee parents, expressed his admiration for King, stating, “Without him, the world wouldn’t be like it is today.” He highlighted King’s contributions to community building and social justice, reinforcing the importance of remembering the past while advocating for a better future.
Prior to the event, community members, including youth volunteers Amissa Patience and Naomi Ngezahayo, decorated The Writing Gallery with a Black Lives Matter poster, symbolizing the ongoing fight against racial injustice. This act of solidarity set the tone for the day’s discussions, emphasizing that the ideals of King remain critical to contemporary social movements.
The gathering served not only as a remembrance of King’s achievements but also as a call to action. Participants engaged in discussions about systemic racism and the steps needed to create a more equitable society. By reflecting on the past and its implications for today, the event highlighted the necessity of continuous dialogue and activism.
Project STORY founder and co-director Charm Emiko expressed gratitude to all who attended, noting that the event was a testament to the community’s commitment to honor King’s legacy through action. She urged attendees to remain vigilant in the pursuit of justice, echoing King’s belief in the power of collective effort to bring about meaningful change.
The celebration in Concord underscores the enduring impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and the ongoing struggles against inequality and discrimination. The voices of the young speakers and community members remind us that the fight for justice is far from over and that each generation must carry the torch forward.
