‘You have spoken pointedly, but out of love for humankind’

Professor Ron Santoni, circa 1967

The Newark Advocate commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day today by reprinting an open letter written by Ron Santoni, originally published on June 29, 1967. Santoni, then an associate professor of philosophy and today the Maria Theresa Barney Chair Emeritus of Philosophy, supported King’s commitment to non-violence and opposition to the Vietnam War:

You have spoken pointedly, but out of the depth of your existence and out of love for humankind. By so doing, you have helped humanity catch a glimpse of what the philosopher Berdyaev has called “the light of the Spirit,” and to sense better the meaning of that doctrine which suggests man’s creation in “the image of God.”

Professor Emeritus Ron Santoni, pictured today

Every year, Denison’s celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. includes a schedule of events tied to a theme. This year, it’s “Harvesting the Dream: All Hands on the Freedom Plow,” beginning with a 48-hour Service Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 22, and continuing during the week with a community luncheon, library reception, film viewing and discussion, multi-religious program, and a convocation featuring well-known civil rights activist Diane Nash, a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.