New York Times-bestselling author and Princeton University Department of African-American Studies Chair Eddie S. Glaude Jr. shared an inspiring presentation with Bolles upper school students during a January 22 convocation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The message of hope for improving race relations in the United States reached all upper school students, faculty and staff. Organized by Bolles Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Twyla Ashman, the convocation addressed King’s accomplishments and his legacy of stirring powerful change.

Glaude focused on King’s later and final years – when he was doubtful and felt the country had turned its back on him. “We long for a Dr. King or an Abe Lincoln because we don’t see our own capabilities as being sufficient. History converged in a way that called Dr. King forward and he answered the call. That can happen with anybody. We don’t need another Martin Luther King. We need every day, ordinary people. We are the leaders we’ve been looking for.”

Glaude is the author of several books and pieces including “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul,” “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America” and his most recent bestselling book, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own.” Glaude is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University and a Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton University.