Press Releases
U.S. Ambassador Discusses “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” at AUCA
January 23, 2012
On January 19, the American University of Central Asia hosted U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Pamela Spratlen for a discussion of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement in America and its implications for the world today. The event commemorated Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday in the U.S. and was entitled “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Students from several universities took part in the event, including Bishkek Humanities University, Kyrgyz State University, Arabaev Kyrgyz State University, J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University and American University of Central Asia. Representatives of Civil Society and Human rights organizations were also on hand.
The event opened with an introduction by AUCA President Andrew Wachtel and was followed by a speech from Ambassador Spratlen on Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of the struggle for justice and equality in diverse societies. Afterwards, participants had an opportunity to ask the Ambassador questions related to civil and human rights, both during Dr. King’s time and today. Responding to students, the Ambassador noted that one of the important characteristics of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was his ability to inspire hope in others that change was possible despite overwhelming odds. She encouraged the audience to work within their own communities to help others, to seek justice and to see things from other people’s perspectives. “Avoid undue pessimism and keep that spark of optimism in yourself that change is possible.”
The event was followed by the screening of a 20 minute documentary illuminating aspects of the history of the American civil rights movement and the role that civil society plays in promoting tolerance in a diverse society. Specifically highlighted was the role of non-for-profit organizations, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama, in the prevention of the modern day discrimination and hate crimes. The video was kindly prepared by the Public Television and Radio Corporation’s staff members and will be aired in its entirety in February.