by Eric Quiñones
Commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an opportunity not just to celebrate past triumphs of the civil rights movement, but also to address America's lingering struggles with racism, poverty and arrogance, Eddie Glaude Jr. said Jan. 20 in the keynote address of Princeton University's annual King Day tribute.

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"This holiday can remind us that our democracy is incomplete -- that our form of associated living stands as an ideal toward which we strive and, perhaps, will never achieve," said Glaude, an associate professor of religion who joined the Princeton faculty last year. "What better way to celebrate King's prophetic witness than to remember that hubris darkens the soul and blinds us to a world in need?"

Glaude's rousing speech followed the presentation of awards for area students in the University's annual King Day essay and poster contests, as well as a performance by CASYM Steel Orchestra, a group of students from New York appearing at its third King Day event here.

	Contest first place winners included (from left) Sophia Ginez, grade 5; Ellen Kraft, grade 9; Amisha Ahuja, grade 7; and Leslie Hart, grade 11.

Before Glaude's address, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman said of King: "In addition to remembering the man, we also remember his message and rededicate ourselves to the values and the goals that he so eloquently articulated and for which he so passionately fought."

Several hundred members of the University and local communities attended the event, offering a standing ovation at its conclusion.

The full text of Glaude's speech is available online. A Webcast of the event can be viewed at WebMedia.

Members of the CASYM Steel Orchestra performed throughout the event.

photos: Rita Nannini