Find a way out of no way. That is the most valuable life lesson I learned from hip-hop,” shared Dr. Todd Craig, this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day keynote speaker. From dreaming big to spreading hope — hip-hop served as the soundtrack to Pomfret's daylong celebration.

Originally from the housing projects in Queens, New York, Craig attended St. George’s School in Newport. As a high school student who earned C’s in English, Craig never dreamed he would become a tenured college professor teaching English composition. But through his love for hip-hop and passion for storytelling, he made a better life for himself. He earned a Master’s from Harvard and a Doctorate from St. John’s University and recently published a book, “K for the Way”: DJ Rhetoric and Literacy for 21st Century Writing Studies.

When students first entered Hard Auditorium to hear Craig speak, they were greeted by hip-hop songs spun by DJ CEO (Van Horvath ’24) and DJ Cole (Cole Hanna ’24). Craig took a turn on the mixing board before addressing the School. Craig’s love for hip-hop was echoed by the students who helped plan and lead the daylong celebration of Dr. King.

In a 50th anniversary tribute to hip-hop, Jobie-Lewis Rogers ’24 detailed the history of the music that has amplified the voices of those who experience racial inequality and the struggle for social justice. “Hip-hop stands as a testament to the power of resilience, resistance, and creative expression,” shared Jobie-Lewis. “It has transcended its humble beginnings to become a global force that unites people across cultures, races, and backgrounds, proving that in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail.” 

In more than twenty afternoon student- and faculty-led workshops, students continued to explore the theme of the day, which was shared around the country, "Living the Dream: It Starts with Me — Spreading Hope, Courage, and Unity." Musical workshops such as “Kendrick Lamar: The Power of Lyrics,” and “Lyricism in Rap” echoed the morning’s focus on hip-hop. Other workshops, including “Income and Wealth Inequality” and “Rational Discourse in an Age of Political Polarization,” focused on topics of social justice and political discourse for which Dr. King was known.

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