Augustana’s MLK celebration urges taking action now

Campus and community members gathered Monday to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and examine how compassion can drive justice. The keynote panel, “Acts of Compassion: Turning Care into Change,” highlighted local leaders whose work answers Dr. King’s call to meet the fierce urgency of now with empathy and action.

Ashley Allen, executive director of intercultural experiences, and Andrea Talentino, president of Augustana, offered welcoming remarks, followed by a dance/step/poetry performance from Augustana’s Heavy Steppas.

The program continued with a panel discussion moderated by Augustana’s Assistant Professor of Art Larissa Frimprong. Four community leaders shared personal stories and offered insight into how individuals can contribute to positive change: Christie Adamson ’09, co-founder and director of The Third Place QC; Bonnie Ballard, president of the Rock Island County NAACP; Alejandra Camacho ’19, director of empowerment programs at World Relief Quad Cities; and Edwin Salazar, director of ThePlace2B for the YWCA of the Quad Cities.

A key theme was the importance of commitment over one-time acts of service. Adamson emphasized that meaningful change grows through consistency and relationship-building. She urged attendees to “pick a place and keep showing up.” 

According to Adamson, returning regularly allows volunteers to develop trust, deepen understanding and become reliable partners within the communities they serve. A sustained presence transforms service from a task into a relationship. It also helps creates a space where those being served feel seen and valued.

Ballard expanded on the idea of consistent engagement by focusing on civic responsibility and advocacy. She spoke about the importance of remaining involved even when progress feels slow. Ballard emphasized that staying informed, supporting local organizations and participating in conversations about policy and equity all contribute to stronger communities.

“Democracy erodes quietly unless actively defended,” she said. “It looks like us fighting injustice on multiple fronts at the same time, elevating those who are being harmed so we give a face and voice to suffering.” 

Camacho shared how empowerment through education and access to resources can create lasting transformation. Drawing from her work with immigrants and refugees at World Relief, she underscored the importance of listening to communities, responding to their self-identified needs and giving them the tools they need to succeed. 

Supporting programs that promote self-sufficiency, through mentoring or skill-building initiatives is most effective, Camacho said. She emphasized that empowerment-based service focuses on partnership, allowing people to build confidence and agency rather than dependency. 

“Immigrants and refugees coming to the Quad Cities aren’t problems to be managed,” Camacho said. “They are doctors, mothers and entrepreneurs, who were born with dignity. Our job is to create an environment where that dignity can finally breathe and flourish.”

Salazar of the YWCA Quad Cities stressed the importance of safe, inclusive spaces, especially for young people. He also highlighted the impact of consistent mentorship and environments where individuals feel seen, noting that regularly showing up as a mentor or advocate fosters care and belonging. Sustained investment in youth and community spaces, Salazar said, builds resilience and hope, generating ripple effects that go beyond any single program.

Throughout the discussion, speakers reinforced that compassion must be paired with action. Small but consistent efforts — volunteering regularly, mentoring, supporting advocacy, or investing time and resources in trusted organizations — can drive meaningful change when continued over time.

And rather than waiting for the “right moment” or feeling the need to do everything at once, panelists encouraged the audience to commit now to a cause or organization and remain engaged.

As Ballard of the NAACP stated, “Delay only allows injustice to become normal, familiar and permanent.”

Dr. Gauri A. Pitale, vice president of culture and connection at Augustana, closed the event by encouraging attendees to carry Dr. King’s work beyond January. “Do it because it matters,” she said. “Do it because you understand that we make society. Society does not make us.”

Note: The Augustana Community Food Drive continues through Jan. 23.