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Posted on September 20th 2013
Students meet Rev. Jesse Jackson
As a treat for being the highest performing politics students in year 12, we were invited to the American Embassy in London for an evening event, marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Embassy has very strict security, and upon arrival we had to go through metal detectors and hand in all of our electronic devices. Once inside the Embassy, we went to a reception where we engaged in conversation with many important people including Diane Abbot MP (Labour: Hackney North and Stoke Newington) and the Keith Vaz MP (Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee). We were then ushered into an auditorium where we were welcomed by Matthew Barzun, United States Ambassador for London, before watching some never before seen footage of Dr. King’s honorary degree acceptance speech. Afterwards, we watched a PBS documentary called ‘Citizen King’ which gave a detailed insight into Dr. King’s difficult journey and his remarkable leadership and impact.
After this, the moment we had all been waiting for. Reverend Jesse Jackson took to the stage to massive applause from the audience. He spoke warmly on a range of topics, such as civil rights, the need to educate the next generation on the power of the ballot, history and multiculturalism. The talk was immensely inspirational and captured the minds of all who had an opportunity to listen to Reverend Jackson’s words.
We would like to thank Mr McCann and Miss O’Keeffe for escorting us on the trip, as well as Bobby Adelson at the American Embassy for inviting us.
Aaron Francis
Sixth Form Student
