FSU's Day of Dialogue celebrates MLK's legacy and the role of art in social justice

USA Today

26-01-2025

Grace Myatt
Staff Writer
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, community leaders, artists and advocates gathered at the Parkview at Cascades Park for the Day of Dialogue event, 'Art as Activism: The Role of Artists in Social and Political Movements.' The event celebrated King's legacy through speeches, discussions and artistic reflections on social justice and human rights.
Ted Ellis, director of FSU's Civil Rights Institute and nationally acclaimed artist, shared work from throughout his career to exemplify the importance of art in social justice movements. His work directly engages with racial issues and the black experience in America.
City Commissioner Curtis Richardson opened the event by honoring Dr. King's memory, emphasizing civic engagement in a powerful call to action.
'May this be the year where equality and equity restore faith and hope in the dream — the dream of America, the dream of our founding fathers and the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,' Richardson said.
Richardson introduced Mark Schlakman, senior program director for FSU's Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. Schlakman highlighted the historical significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting that it coincides with this year's Inauguration Day. He also addressed the need for continuous dialogue in the face of political and racial divides, invoking a quote from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after Dr. King's assassination.
'We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly,' Schlakman quoted King. 'We have to make an effort in the United States. We have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond rather than discuss these difficult times and allow ourselves to separate and distrust one another.'
Schlakman acknowledged the prevalence of institutional racism in Florida, which has been exacerbated by recent cutbacks to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He framed these challenges as opportunities for constructive dialogue, referencing landmark cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education to underscore the need for systemic realignment.
Ellis began his speech by acknowledging community members Fred Flowers, Vel Johnson, Keith Walker and John Maynard. Flowers, the first black athlete to attend FSU, is the subject of one of the many black-and-white portrait paintings Ellis created to celebrate civil rights leaders in Florida.
Reflecting on his 35-year career in art and activism, Ellis described his creative journey as a 'magic carpet' driven by passion and purpose. He emphasized understanding human rights as foundational.
'Human rights supersede civil rights because everybody is born with these inalienable rights that we must respect globally. Civil rights is a piece of the component that we use so that we can live civically in this space,' Ellis said.
Nearly six years ago, Ellis was appointed to a federal commission under the Department of Interior's oversight of the National Park Service, where his job was to celebrate and commemorate the activities of African Americans in the 50 states. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to hold this position as an artist.
Ellis showcased various art projects, including a piece unveiled at the French Embassy during former President Barack Obama's inauguration. The painting, replicating the saturated colors of the MLK painting displayed in person at the event, left attendees in awe. Highlighting another achievement, Ellis is the only artist ever showcased on both the House and Senate sides of the Capitol Building.
During a Q&A session, Ellis responded to questions about the role of artists in an era of division, particularly under Gov. Ron DeSantis's leadership. He emphasized youth engagement and building a legacy of hope and promise.
When asked about the symbolism in civil rights movements, Ellis explored them through an artist's lens.
'Artists, typically, they listen, they hear and they see," Ellis said. "They ingest it and then they just regurgitate it. I will argue that, as an artist, I speak every language."
Two pieces of his master's thesis depicted the transatlantic journey from the slave ship to the cotton field to the boardroom. Initially focused on the male experience, Ellis recounted how a Houston Community College student inspired him to create a female-centric counterpart.
'A young lady said, 'I don't see myself,' and I said, 'Oh, wow. I certainly apologize, but I was thinking from a male perspective and engagement,'' Ellis said.
Ellis concluded the event by sharing his commitment to the concept of 'Good Trouble,' inspired by John Lewis's famous quote.
'Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble,' he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams-Cox closed the event with an inspiring speech on creating 'good trouble.' Williams-Cox emphasized the need to teach African American history in Florida schools, a law that has gone unenforced since its enactment in 1994.
'Growing up in Gadsden County, I learned some things that I don't want repeated," Williams-Cox said. "And so if I don't want those repeated, then I got to be involved."
Through his art and activism, Ellis challenges societal norms and inspires others to pursue justice and equality.
'When we're looking at the ability to share and spread messages and purposes, long and far and wide, it's art that is the medium through which that's achieved,' FSU sophomore Alyson Mizanin, a media communication studies and religion double major, said. 'I think it would be wrong if I existed here solely for four years as a student and didn't engage in the community and didn't participate in any way that I could.'
The event's closing words reflected a collective commitment to action and collaboration.
'Together, we can make a change. We can do the great, good work that's necessary in this space,' Ellis said.