“The Future Is You”: Mayor Yemi Mobolade Inspires The Colorado Springs School During MLK Legacy Celebration (Photo) - 01/19/26
The Colorado Springs School (CSS) gathered as a community on January 16 to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an all-school ceremony centered on reflection, service, and hope for the future. The event featured Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade as keynote speaker and highlighted student voices that framed the program with personal meaning and a clear call to action.
The ceremony opened with an introduction from senior Meia A. ’26, who welcomed Mayor Mobolade and connected his story to the values embodied in Dr. King’s legacy. Speaking as the daughter of a Haitian immigrant, Meia reflected on the significance of standing before a community that elected Colorado Springs’ first Black and immigrant mayor.
“Being part of a community that welcomed, trusted, and elected Mayor Mobolade is deeply personal,” Meia said. “It makes me proud of who I am and who I am here with today.”
Born in Nigeria to two pastors, Mayor Mobolade immigrated to the United States at age 17 in pursuit of educational opportunity. Prior to his election, he established himself as a civic leader and entrepreneur, including co-founding The Wild Goose Meeting House in downtown Colorado Springs. He was sworn in as the city’s 42nd mayor on June 6, 2023, making history as the first Black and immigrant mayor of Colorado Springs and one of its youngest.
In his keynote address, Mayor Mobolade spoke candidly about his journey, the influence of Dr. King’s vision, and the responsibility young people hold in shaping the future.
“The future isn’t some distant idea,” Mobolade told students. “The future is right here. The future is you.”
He emphasized that Dr. King’s dream remains unfinished, living on in everyday choices, acts of service, and the ways communities care for one another. Quoting Dr. King, Mayor Mobolade reminded students that “everyone can be great, because anybody can serve,” challenging them to practice kindness, inclusion, and courage in their daily lives.
“When we do that,” he said, “we don’t just honor Dr. King’s memory—we continue his mission.”
The ceremony concluded with reflections from junior Melinda H. ’27, who translated the morning’s message into a direct challenge for her peers. Citing Dr. King’s words—“The time is always right to do what is right”—Melinda encouraged students to speak up, show kindness, and take action, no matter how small.
“The smallest actions often lead to the biggest change,” she said. “When we choose to care about others, we become part of the change Dr. King believed in.”
Following the ceremony, Mayor Mobolade visited with CSS PreKindergarten students, who presented him with a photograph of a large MLK mural they created featuring stars filled with their dreams. Those dreams included: “My dream is I dreamed about Martin Luther King and a pony,” “I have a dream to catch monsters,” My dream is school,” I have a dream to help mom and dad more,” and “That Godzilla is true.”
“I’m going to hang this in my office,” Mayor Mobolade told the students.
Through student leadership, reflection, and shared purpose, The Colorado Springs School’s MLK legacy celebration reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s message—and the role young people play in carrying it forward.
Learn more at www.css.org/news/mlk-yemi.
About The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and meet the needs of a dynamic world, fostering leadership, ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity through hands-on learning. Visit css.org. The school is located on a 28-acre historic estate at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Visit online at css.org.
