January 26, 2021

Dear Community and supporters of the MLK Symposium on Social Change, 

As is Penn’s tradition, we began the University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Symposium on Social Change last week with a Day of Service. This year’s virtual programming was well attended, well organized, and informative. Unfortunately, some individuals took this opportunity to “zoom bomb” two of our programs with racist language and images. The seriousness of this incident prompted us to immediately file a report with the Division of Public Safety, who contacted Penn’s Office of Information Security in ISC to conduct an investigation. Both the Division of Public Safety and the Office of Information Security have been very responsive to our concerns and needs.

These acts have in no way diminished our resolve to fight for social equity, justice, and to end racism. The values of the University of Pennsylvania and the mission of the African-American Resource Center (AARC) include constructively and proactively helping to create a teaching-learning community of real and harmonious diversity. The AARC is called to be a model for the academy and the society at large. We are committed to each member of our community. If you were impacted by these actions and need additional support, please contact aarc@upenn.edu.

To the cowards who worked under the cloak of a computer screen to spread hate-filled, racist messages: Your attempts have failed to scare or intimidate organizers and participants of our programs. Your ignorance lets us know we still have work to do. In 1963, at the Washington National Cathedral, Dr. King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” We will continue to provide light and love to drive out your darkness and hate. Though loving in the face of hate can be difficult, we will continue to look for the best in and want the best for all of our community, including you. We will continue to grow and prosper because we are strong and determined. As ignorance is replaced with truth, more and more, people will know that we are one race and one people connected by the common goal and common purpose of making our beloved community better. As Dr. King said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” 

Thank you to all who have offered encouragement and support! We look forward to the remainder of the symposium programs and to gathering with colleagues and friends. 

—Valerie Dorsey Allen, Director, African-American Resource Center