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Keynote speaker at Federal Way MLK celebration urges systemic change and youth-led action
Summary
Evan Cook, a community advocate and board chair of the Federal Way Black Collective, told attendees at the City of Federal Way's 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration that King’s dream has been deferred and urged local action on education, economic opportunity and accountability for leaders.
Evan Cook, a community advocate and board chair of the Federal Way Black Collective, told attendees at the City of Federal Way’s 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration in Federal Way that the nation has “deferred” Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and that local residents must organize youth-led efforts to rebuild systems that perpetuate inequality.
Cook said integration without structural change has left communities behind and called for bold local steps, including education improvements, economic opportunity and reparations for descendants of enslaved people. “I was hesitant to accept this opportunity because fundamentally, I disagree with some of the civil rights movement,” Cook said. “This is the year we face the mirror.”
Why it matters: Cook framed the speech as a call for moving from commemoration to sustained local action. He urged Federal Way leaders and community members to prioritize long-term investments in schools and economic programs and to transfer power to younger activists. “It is not the job of the oppressor to liberate the oppressed,” he said. “Education, community, and economic empowerment, and a spiritual rebirth are the pillars upon which we must build.”
Cook criticized what he described as symbolic gains that did not change underlying systems. He referenced historical episodes and the need to rebuild institutions: “Those systems must be destroyed to the core and rebuilt by the hands of our children,” he said. He also urged residents to “hold ourselves and our leaders accountable” and said organizers should prepare youth to lead immediately, not only in the future.
Throughout his remarks Cook repeatedly appealed to local audiences to adopt concrete habits—mentorship, civic engagement and community economic initiatives—to prepare younger generations to lead. He closed by urging collective action and a commitment to persistent organizing: “Let's come together, rise up, and be the revolution. Thank you.”
The celebration also included musical and cultural performances, a community-flame pledge and presentations recognizing local volunteers and youth leaders.
Ending: Cook’s speech closed the event’s program of performances and community testimonials with a call to translate commemoration into local policy changes and organized youth leadership.
