On January 20, the Governor’s community celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a full day of programming. Dean of Multicultural Education Michelle de la Guardia designed a day for students full of song, dance, reflection, and over 20 workshops for students to choose from. Guests included acapella groups from Smith College, step team SOAL (Stepping On Another Level) from Northeastern University, keynote speaker Dr. John Gaines, parent and community activist Melissa Marrama P’25 and alumni Destiny Gonzalez ‘20, Rosangela Mejia ‘21, and Alondra Caceres ‘18.
The day began with music, notably the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," performed by acapella groups Blackappella and POCapella (featuring alumna Rosangela Mejia ‘21!) from Smith College, followed by a keynote address by Dr. John Gaines.
Dr. John “PUSH” Gaines, a former at-risk youth turned inspirational leader, is the CEO and Founder of PUSH (Persist Until Something Happens) For Dreams, a nonprofit impacting schools, businesses, individuals, and communities nationwide. An Emmy-nominated speaker, best-selling author, and leadership consultant, Dr. Gaines uses his personal story and tragic loss to connect deeply to empower students, educators, and professionals to embrace resilience, unlock their potential, and realize their dreams. It's also notable that Dr. Gaines' grandfather marched with Martin Luther King, Jr.
A highlight of the day was welcoming alumni back to campus to lead workshops. Gonzalez ‘20 led the very popular “Hip Hop Foundations” workshop, inspiring students, faculty, and staff alike to learn a dazzling group dance combo that showcased both street hip-hop elements and commercial choreography. Gonzalez is a recent graduate of Boston College and returning to Govs, and the Black Box, was a homecoming of sorts.
"Dance was central to my identity there, especially in the Black Box, where I taught workshops. It’s remained a big part of my life, from directing a college hip-hop team to teaching Zumba and beginner hip-hop. Sharing my passion for dance with former teachers was special, and stepping back into campus life reminded me of the place I called home for four transformative years. A huge thank you to Mrs. de la Guardia for organizing such a memorable day—I’d return to teach in a heartbeat!" reflected Gonzalez '20.
Caceres ‘18 led a workshop called “The Music of the Oppressed: Rap and Social Justice.” The workshop delved into the artistry of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Lauryn Hill, examining how their music addresses themes of race, identity, and systemic inequality. Through thought-provoking discussion and lyrical analysis, students discovered how these artists give voice to the oppressed, inspire change, and empower communities.
English teacher Steve Ogden P'19 led a workshop titled, “Lessons in Diversity: Boarding School Reflections,” where he shared his experiences as a former boarding school student and current teacher, reflecting on lessons about diversity, inclusion, and belonging. This workshop invited personal reflection and discussion on building a more inclusive and supportive community.
Science Department Chair Dr. Emily Allen led a hands-on workshop: “Graffiti Threads: T-Shirts as a Canvas for Change." Dr. Allen helped students learn how graffiti tells stories of resilience and cultural expression in a range of communities. Students created their own T-shirt graffiti while discovering how this vibrant art form serves as a voice for resistance, empowerment, and solidarity.
Senior Gaby Maher '25 reflected on the day, saying "The MLK Day programming was such an invaluable experience! It felt amazing to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in activities such as step dancing and slam poetry - two art forms full of vibrance and expression. It was both enriching and empowering to celebrate Dr. King's legacy with my community as we all learn, grow, and connect."
Students gathered in advisory groups for lunch and the day concluded with powerful performances by the Smith College acapella groups singing Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack” and SOAL captivating the audience with their moving dance performance. The day was filled with joy, hope, and learning for students, faculty, and staff.
“Our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day programming was a powerful reminder of what makes our Govs community so special—the willingness to come together, reflect deeply, and celebrate the beauty of belonging. Seeing students and faculty engage with the workshops, performances, and one another filled me with gratitude and pride. It was a day to honor Dr. King’s legacy while strengthening the connections that unite us all,” said de la Guardia.
Hear from de la Guardia on her approach to creating the programming for the day’s events.
GOVS: What was most important to you in creating the programming for MLK Day?
Michelle:
The most important aspect of creating this celebration was ensuring that it reflected the values of inclusion, belonging, and active engagement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. I wanted the day to be a meaningful opportunity for our community to learn, reflect, and connect across differences, while also celebrating the diverse voices and talents within and beyond Govs.
It was crucial to design programming that offered a variety of perspectives and experiences, whether through workshops, performances, or discussions. By including faculty, staff, alumni, and guest speakers, the goal was to create a sense of shared ownership and participation in the day. I also prioritized providing spaces for thoughtful conversations and self-reflection, recognizing that each person in our community comes to this day with their own unique experiences and insights.
Ultimately, I wanted MLK Day to inspire our community to carry forward Dr. King’s vision—not just as a one-day event, but as an ongoing commitment to justice, empathy, and equity in our daily lives.
GOVS: We have some Govs alumni leading some of the workshops with students. How did that come to fruition?
Michelle:
I really wanted to highlight the incredible accomplishments of our graduates while offering our students relatable role models who reflect the diversity and values of our community. We reached out to alumni whose professional and personal experiences align with the themes of MLK Day, such as social justice, equity, and community impact.
Many of our alumni have remained connected to Govs and were enthusiastic about returning to share their expertise and insights with current students. Their willingness to lead workshops stems from their deep commitment to giving back and their understanding of the importance of fostering meaningful conversations about belonging, justice, and advocacy.
It’s been inspiring to see how these alumni have embraced leadership roles in their respective fields, and we’re grateful to have them return to enrich the day’s programming and inspire the next generation of Govs students.
GOVS: What do you hope students take away from the day of programming?
Michelle:
I hope students leave MLK Day with a deeper understanding of the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and how it connects to their own lives and our community at Govs. My goal is for students to reflect on the values of justice, equity, and belonging and to feel empowered to embody these principles in their daily actions and interactions.
Through the workshops, performances, and discussions, I hope students gain new perspectives, engage in meaningful conversations, and develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of voices and experiences within and beyond our community. I want them to recognize the power of their own voices and feel inspired to contribute to positive change, both here at Govs and in the wider world.
Ultimately, I hope this day sparks ongoing reflection and dialogue, encouraging students to think critically about how they can foster inclusion, challenge inequities, and build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.