Living History

As residents of a historical city like Boston, Imari Paris Jeffries says, we’ve been taught to see monuments with a special kind of reverence—as untouchable, incontrovertible records of history. Historical monuments may be background players in our daily lives, but they serve as important symbols in public spaces to inform our thoughts and values as Americans. 

Jeffries—who came to Suffolk this week as keynote speaker for the University’s standing-room only annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and “Creating the Dream” Awards Ceremony in Smith Commons—is well-versed on the topic of public memorials. He serves as executive director of Embrace Boston, the nonprofit organization that developed and installed The Embrace, the 19-ton bronze memorial on Boston Common celebrating the legendary civil rights leader and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

But as Jeffries pointed out, most statues on the Common, and certainly around the United States, are neoclassical in style: old and weighty; placed on tall pedestals, so viewers have to look up to see them; and generally giving the appearance of having been around forever. “This,” Jeffries said, “is the power of commemoration.”

Which is why, he added, it’s worth considering that in 2024—more than 50 years after King was assassinated—there are still an estimated 723 monuments, 741 roadways, 201 schools, 51 municipal buildings, and many other sites and holidays honoring Confederate leaders across the country.

“These are reinforcers of history,” Jeffries says. “And we buy into them.” Not coincidentally, he pointed out, many Confederate monuments are found in states that ban a full teaching of African American history or combine their celebrations of the MLK Day holiday with ceremonies honoring Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Creating the Dream awards

Jeffries’ keynote followed the presentation of the three 2024 “Creating the Dream” awards by Suffolk President Marisa Kelly. 

“This tradition began in 2005 with the purpose of recognizing the outstanding efforts of an individual, organization, or department that works to create an inclusive respectful and safe climate for members of the university community [and has] a sustained and tangible impact on Suffolk’s communities of color,” Kelly said.

This year’s honorees are senior Arantxa Melendez, a political science major and president of the Caribbean Students Network, who was recognized as “an outstanding student leader with a commitment to fostering community for students of color and [being] a general friend to all”; Marissa Pierre, assistant director, Student Leadership & Involvement, who was honored for “working tirelessly to create a warm, welcoming, inclusive space for students to grow”; and the Black Law Students Association, recognized for being “a beacon of academic support and community building.”

In accepting the award on behalf of the Black Law Students Association, President Samantha Smart said, “Thank you everyone so much. We will continue to live out a dream that Martin Luther King had of all students getting the opportunity to learn and to succeed.”

The a cappella group Soulfully Versed performed, and soloist Sung Hee Lee, BA ’23, led the crowd in a rendition of “Life Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem. Later that evening, members of the Suffolk community led a candle-lit walk The Embrace sculpture on the Common.