MLK Jr. Forum Recap
01/22/2026
Throughout the forum, members of the newly reinstated Bluffton University Choir joined Turner in song, reinforcing the message that justice is not only something to be discussed but something to be embodied.
Bluffton University honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through music, history and faith
In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bluffton University hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum presentation, featuring Jonathan Blake Turner, director of choral activities at Bluffton University, who offered a powerful combination of song, history and theological reflection.
Turner’s presentation, “Justice in the Key of Faith: The Sound of the Sanctuary and the Streets,” explored the vital role of music, particularly Black sacred music and spirituals, in shaping the Civil Rights Movement and sustaining the pursuit of justice. Through storytelling, historical context and communal singing, Turner invited attendees to consider how music served not only as artistic expression but also as protest, strategy and a catalyst for resilience and change.
Beginning with Negro spirituals born during enslavement, Turner explained how songs functioned as coded messages, communal prayers and declarations of hope. He traced the evolution of these spirituals into freedom songs and civil rights anthems such as “This Little Light of Mine,” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” and “We Shall Overcome,” illustrating how faith and music moved from church sanctuaries into the streets during pivotal moments of the movement.
Turner also highlighted Dr. King’s identity as a preacher, theologian and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., emphasizing the fraternity’s commitment to scholarship, service and moral leadership. He reflected on how King’s speeches mirrored the rhythm, repetition and prophetic language of the music that shaped the movement, noting that King understood the power of collective voice to inspire change.
Throughout the forum, members of the newly reinstated Bluffton University Choir joined Turner in song, reinforcing the message that justice is not only something to be discussed but something to be embodied. Turner challenged students, faculty and staff to consider their own “song,” whether through advocacy, scholarship, art, leadership or service, and to use their voices with courage and conviction.
Bluffton University’s Forum series invites students and the wider community to engage with diverse perspectives that encourage thoughtful reflection, dialogue and action. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum serves as a reminder of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the continued call to pursue justice through faith, community and collective action.