SHU Honors MLK at Annual Celebration

Father Reggie Norman leads a thought-provoking conversation about King’s legacy

Sacred Heart University celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., with an event in the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts that featured Father Reggie Norman, a Wilton pastor.

Robert Johnson ’16, ’17, SHU’s director of multicultural affairs and the multicultural center, introduced Norman to the audience. Following a screening of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Norman facilitated a thought-provoking conversation.

Norman is vicar of the African American Apostolate of Catholics for the Diocese of Bridgeport and pastor for Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Wilton. He discussed King’s legacy and memory, as well as how all of society should continue King’s work and the work of so many others during the civil rights movement “When we embrace our faults, we can become better,” he said.

Norman questioned whether the U.S. honors the civil rights icon every year because it provides a day off or because of what King accomplished. He explained how perspectives are important and asked, “Is the dream still alive?” Segregation is another form of slavery he said, and prison has become the new house for it.

Throughout the event, quotes by King were projected on a screen for the audience to ponder. “The time is always right to do what’s right,” stated one quote. “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed,” read another

Norman concluded by emphasizing the need for a new conversation that acknowledges the wrongs that have occurred, and that people have been hurt. If this is not discussed, progress will not take place, he said.

“It is one thing to say you are sorry, then act like you are not,” Norman said. “Do not cancel history; correct it and learn from it.”

Victoria Cole ‘24 said the Norman’s discussion affected her. “I thought the event was touching, but in a way that I don’t really know too often. I don’t usually put myself in uncomfortable situations. To hear him speak made me uncomfortable in a good way because it opened my eyes up to something new,” she said.

Photo caption: From left are Robert Johnson, Interfaith Chaplain Sara Smith and Father Reggie Norman