Fellow Tractivists,
In 2006, the UNC MLK, Jr. Memorial Scholarship committee recognized my work to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black folks in the U.S. I don’t know what was better — the $1500 check, being honored with a scholarship in the namesake of my fraternity brother, or the recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community as one of our nation’s most pressing social issues.
Dr. King’s legacy of fighting racial discrimination and working to increase civil rights has forever ignited passion and desire in my work as an activist. For that reason, I celebrate Dr. King’s life all year, but especially on MLK, Jr. Day.
WHAT: movie (Invictus) + conversation about social justice and racial equality
WHEN: Mon 1/18 at 1:20pm
WHERE: the Wynnsong (on MLK, naturally)
RSVP: mlk[at]getTraction[dot]org
WHERE: the Wynnsong (on MLK, naturally)
RSVP: mlk[at]getTraction[dot]org
Last year, on MLK, Jr. Day (the day before Pres. Obama’s inauguration), I volunteered at a DC soup kitchen and went to a movie on Bayard Rustin, King’s adviser on nonviolent resistance, who was also openly gay. This year I’ll be with my Traction family for a “day on and not a day off.” I hope you’ll join us with your friends and families as we come together for a movie (Invictus) and coffee conversation about race, equality and social justice.
Invictus (Latin for “unconquerable”) is an often-quoted poem by William Ernest Henley, which I first encountered as a fraternity pledge. And while I’ll spare reciting the poem, you may recognize ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul’ as more famous lines from the poem. Invictus is also Clint Eastwood’s new film about Nelson Mandela, from his release from prison on Robben Island to his unorthodox quest as President to unify newly post-apartheid South Africa as the nation prepared to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Both King and Mandela devoted their lives to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all — a desire that should ignite passions in each of us, and compel us all to reach toward the most supreme ideals of our country. They inspire me to work, serve, strengthen and lead in communities to which I belong, including alongside my Traction family.
Please join me this coming Monday, on MLK, Jr. Day for a matinee of “Invictus” and good conversation afterwards. RSVP to mlk@getTraction.org so we can make sure to connect up and sit together.Quinton Harper
Carolina alum, classic soul and funk enthusiast, Tractivist
Carolina alum, classic soul and funk enthusiast, Tractivist
P.S. Stay tuned for future events, including HK on J, watching the State of the Union, a mushroom walk and more…