Riverside City College MLK Brunch Inspires Reflection, Courage, and Student Leadership

Riverside City College (RCC) welcomed more than 200 students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members to its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch, a meaningful gathering centered on reflection, dialogue and action in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.

The program featured a powerful keynote by Edward C. Bush, Ph.D., former RCC vice president of student affairs, whose return to campus was both personal and impactful. Bush challenged attendees to critically examine how society conditions individuals into submission and complacency, urging them to step out of learned patterns and engage courageously in moments that demand leadership and resistance.

Prior to the keynote, RCC Umoja students played a central role in welcoming attendees and opening the program, offering remarks and a prayer that set the tone for the day. The opportunity allowed students to lead the community in reflection, underscoring RCC’s commitment to student voice, leadership development and experiential learning.

The event opened with remarks from Riverside Community College District Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., who emphasized that honoring Dr. King requires action, not symbolism.

“This brunch is not just an event on our calendar, it is a statement of who we are and what we value,” said Isaac. “Remembrance must be active, reflection must lead to action and community is built when we intentionally come together with a shared purpose.”

RCC Interim President Eric Bishop, Ed.D., echoed this message, underscoring the continued relevance of Dr. King’s work.

“Dr. King understood that progress requires discipline, courage and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right,” said Bishop. “His legacy challenges us not to admire change from a distance, but to participate in it fully and responsibly.”

Following the event, campus leaders reflected on the impact of the program and its importance to RCC’s equity-centered mission.

“What stood out most was how deeply engaged our students were, not just as attendees, but as leaders,” said Lorena Newson, Ed.D., dean of college equity, inclusion and engagement. “Events like this create space for honest dialogue, reflection and growth, while reinforcing our responsibility to equip students with the confidence and skills to use their voices.”

Herbert “Herb” English, dean of counseling and specially funded programs, emphasized the significance of the themes raised during the keynote. “Dr. Bush’s message challenged us to think critically about how systems shape behavior and how courage is required to disrupt that conditioning,” said English. “The conversations that followed made it clear that students are ready to engage, question and lead.”

Thomas Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., dean of student services, highlighted the broader impact on students. “This event exemplified what student-centered engagement looks like,” said Cruz-Soto. “From students opening the program to the dialogue sparked afterward, the MLK Brunch reinforced that our students are not only learning about leadership, they are actively practicing it.”

Bush also reflected on his time at RCC, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to return to a campus that continues to prioritize equity, student success and community engagement, sentiments warmly received by attendees.

RCC’s MLK Brunch remains a cornerstone event for the College, bringing together voices across campus and community to honor Dr. King’s vision through dialogue, leadership and continued commitment to justice and dignity for all.