Hobart and William Smith Colleges

21 January 2025 • Alums Honoring Dr. King: HWS and Geneva Unite for a Day of Justice, Inclusion and Community By Sydney Herbruck '25

Hobart and William Smith, in partnership with the Geneva MLK Committee, once again honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of community-wide events celebrating the vision of equality, justice and service. This year’s celebration introduced new afternoon programming sponsored by The Geneva Public Library, The Dove Block and Hobart and William Smith.

Hobart and William Smith students, faculty and staff, including President Mark D. Gearan, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chevanne DeVaney ’95, P’21, P’23 and Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Engagement Rev. Nita Byrd, joined the Geneva MLK Committee on Monday, Jan. 20 to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of events celebrating justice, inclusion and community. This year’s theme was “Dr. King’s Dream is Our Dream.”

“Fifty-four years ago, the Geneva MLK Committee committed to advancing Dr. King’s teachings and philosophy of ‘peace, justice, and equality for all people’ through this annual commemoration,” says DeVaney. “This event reminds us of the importance of being good neighbors. We’re fortunate to be part of a community that upholds these values and ideals.”

The day began at 9:30 a.m. with a gathering at Bicentennial Park on Exchange Street with welcoming remarks from Rev. Byrd, followed by the annual Memorial March to the Presbyterian Church at 24 Park Place at 10 a.m.

An 11 a.m. worship service included a keynote address by Rev. Myra Brown, Senior Pastor at Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester, N.Y. A dedicated advocate for racial justice and founder of the Spiritus Christi Racial Justice Ministry, Brown has actively participated in the Black Lives Matter movement and other efforts to combat systemic racism. She has led numerous anti-racism discussions with a particular focus on police reform.

The service included performances by the MLK Memorial Choir led by Patrisha Blue '77. The annual MLK Art and Poetry Contest winners were announced by Mary Herlihy Gearan recognizing the talent of Geneva's youth who have contributed art and poetry entries inspired by Dr. King. Students from Geneva's primary schools, St. Francis-Stephen's School, Moodie's School, and the Geneva Boys and Girls Club all participated. St. Paul’s Full Gospel Baptist Church, the host church for this year’s memorial service, provided takeout meals after the service. Coffee and hot chocolate was also provided courtesy of Sodexo. 

The celebration extended into the afternoon with a family-friendly event from 1–3 p.m. at the Geneva Public Library. Led by library staff and Dove Block volunteers, children were invited to create a hands-on craft, symbolizing Dr. King’s message of hope and unity. This creative activity was new this year and was part of a broader effort to increase engagement from the community. Incoming HWS transfer and international students served as volunteers.

Director of Community Engagement and Service-Learning Katie Flowers says the partnership developed during a meeting of Geneva’s Service-Learning Advisory Council with members including Geneva Public Library Director Frank Sykes, Geneva MLK Committee member Chevanne DeVaney and Advisory Council member and Associate Professor of Art and Architecture Gabriella D’Angelo, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Dove Block.

“By uniting to honor Dr. King’s legacy, HWS and the Geneva MLK Committee reaffirm their commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable community. Through creative activities, meaningful dialogue and collective action, this year’s MLK Day celebration strengthened bonds among residents, students and leaders while paying tribute to Dr. King’s dream of equality for all,” says Flowers.

In addition, Hobart and William Smith will host a panel discussion on “HWS MLK 2025: Re/Building Beloved Community” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Froelich Hall of the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts followed by a reception in The Adams Intercultural Center. 

Top: Members of the Geneva MLK Committee lead the march on Castle Street.