MLK Day at Cate: Breaking Bread in Community
January 24, 2025
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Cate community explored the power of food as a unifying tool and a means to address systemic inequities through the theme Breaking Bread in Community. Monday’s celebration highlighted the intersection of food insecurity and civil rights, reflecting Dr. King’s vision of a world where everyone has access to dignity, opportunity, and equality. Through workshops, guest speakers, and artistic performances, students and faculty came together to engage and reflect on the significance of the day.
Oyin Opawumi ’26 began the morning on a high note with a dazzling rendition of Lift Ev’ry Voice – referred to as the Black national anthem – before Biology Instructor and Multicultural Programming Coordinator Kadeine Peterson introduced the theme and set the tone for the day.
“Biblically, breaking bread signifies fellowship, connection, and unity,” Peterson said. “Something that the Reverend Dr. King understood deeply. To break bread with others is to embrace their humanity, to affirm their worth, and to create space for understanding and healing. In a secular sense, breaking bread speaks to the bonds we form when we come together, especially in times of trial and reflection.”
Chef Marlon Alexander, a world-renowned culinary artist, took to the podium next to share his story of resilience, passion, and creativity. “Food is more than nourishment,” he said. “It’s an experience, a memory, and a connection.”
The community was then treated to a series of artistic performances, starting with Cate dancers, who showcased a vibrant step performance steeped in rich tradition, offering a powerful poetry of movement. Kai Johnson ’28 recited a poignant poem written by Yutopia Essex, before Cate’s Jazz band provided a lively interlude. The audience was later addressed by Erik Talkin, the CEO of the Santa Barbara Foodbank, who spoke about food insecurity in the county, tying the day’s theme of community and social justice together.
After a literal breaking of bread for lunch, students and faculty engaged in a diverse array of workshops that explored food culture, justice, and shared experiences. Activities include making bread while discussing food insecurity, exploring African American food history, engaging in community service projects, and examining food’s role in activism and social change. From crafting bowls for the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County to understanding the politics of the dinner table, the workshops highlighted the power of food in shaping community and justice.
The day concluded with Cate’s vocal groups performing “De Colores,” a powerful anthem of the United Farm Workers movement, honoring the legacy of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, and leaving the community with a lasting reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and unity.
