They commented positively about Jones’ incorporation of recent, real-life events and gun-violence commentary into his speech.

“I was totally mesmerized through the entire thing,” Dumouchel said. “I think the way that he applied these notions of the past in such a real and vibrant way to these immense issues we have today was kind of refreshing.”

They both agreed that Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a time for reflection on what race and discrimination issues still remain in U.S. society.

“It’s a day to sit back and reflect on partially the problems that our nation has faced and how those problems how they manifested themselves in the past and how they manifest themselves today,” Kalenkiewicz said, “And also it serves as a reminder for how much of an impact an individual can have on society, everything that can be achieved by one great man.”