IU McKinney 1L Anthony Murdock Receives Inaugural Young Martin Award
02/12/2019
Anthony Murdock, II, was presented with the inaugural Young Martin Award during IUPUI's 50th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Dinner. Murdock is a first-year, evening division student at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Murdock was given the award by the IUPUI Black Student Union at the dinner, which took place on January 20 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
“I am humbled and honored to have received an award on such a night—a night that honors the life and legacy of a legend, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The goal is never to be recognized and the duty is to bring justice and restoration to the least, the lonely and the left out. This award is motivation to continue performing that duty, to the best of my ability, until we, as a people, see the mountaintop,” Murdock said.
A graduate of Butler University with degrees in Political Science, and Religion, Murdock worked as a legislative intern for Indiana Representatives John Bartlett of Indianapolis, Chuck Moseley of Portage, and Steve Stemler of Jeffersonville. He is an Indiana Conference on Legal Education Opportunity fellow, and took part in the ICLEO Summer Institute at Notre Dame Law School during Summer 2018 prior to his first semester at IU McKinney.
Murdock received the honor for his consistent support of the Black Student Union at IUPUI and his unwavering commitment to the empowerment of Black students at IUPUI and other campuses, according to the award notification he received. The note also acknowledges that "it is rare to find young individuals who are willing to be the on the front line in support of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Instead of ignoring what is wrong, you have decided to use your platform and experiences to stand up for what is right, in the way you live, do your work, and in how you treat others." The note continues, "we could not have started a new tradition without acknowledging your hard work, dedication and sacrifices made for the betterment of our generation, and for that, you deserve this award."
In an effort to promote the perspectives of students of color at Predominantly White Institutions, Murdock co-founded Bust The B.U.B.B.L.E, which got its start while he was a student at Butler. It is a student movement that promotes perspectives of students of color the through diversity education, cultural awareness, and action-oriented activism. He also was the inaugural coordinator of the Diversity Education and Advocacy Committee of Butler University's Student Government Association. He started the series, "Discussions in the DC" that works to close the communication chasm between students, faculty, staff, and administrators through candid conversations about diversity and inclusion. The series began during Murdock's sophomore year at Butler and continues to thrive. He also is a co-creator of #PowerMovesOnly, a brand that promotes lifestyles centered on success-oriented actions and is currently in the midst of a partnership with the Black Law Student Association promoting the work of Black women studying at IU McKinney.
Murdock was a community expert in the Steward Speaker Series on October 16 and talked about the work he's doing as a millennial in Indianapolis. Other speakers were Susan L. Taylor, the editor of Esssence Magazine; Michael Eric Dyson, the Georgetown University sociology professor who is also a contributing writer and editor for several national publications; and the Reverend Al Sharpton, the well-known civil rights activist. The panel was moderated by Roland Martin of TV One Cable Network.
Murdock is the Social Action Chair for the District of Indiana for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It's a connection he shares with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in that Dr. King also was a member of the fraternity. But the connection is deeper than that, because Murdock also shares King's sociopolitical stance on equity and civil rights.
A desire to become a lawyer since the seventh grade propelled Murdock to law school. A law degree will provide him with the tools he needs to continue pursuing his purpose, with passion. Murdock defines his purpose as, “increasing political literacy and encouraging political engagement within communities of color across Indianapolis.” He chose IU McKinney because he knew this institution would allow him the opportunity to continue leveraging his access, by way of his legal education, to the populations that will progress as a result of him passionately pursuing his purpose. Murdock describes himself as a product of Indianapolis, and values stewardship, in large part because of the principles and pillars of his faith community over at Eastern Star Church. Murdock sees stewardship as “giving back to those that gave to him” while also leaving places better than how he found them. Murdock believes pursuing a law degree at IU McKinney will allow him to continue practicing faith-based stewardship and action-oriented activism here in his hometown of Indianapolis.
