The struggle of African American culture was explored as a lecture attempted to connect the work of Martin Luther King Jr. to President Barack Obama.

“Freedom Fighters: Then and Now,” a lecture led by pastor and Ventura College Professor Ola Washington delved into the background behind Black History Month, the place of religion in the black community and her thoughts on Obama.

“Freedom” was part of the “Literature, Arts and Lecture Series” at Oxnard College, and took place Wednesday at 12:45 in the Clock Tower Auditorium.

“I think it went very well,” said Washington after the presentation. “I was pleased with the responsiveness of the students.”

Ola Washington, who also teaches Early African American History at VC, detailed points in history that she feels stand out for African Americans, including the abolitionist movement in early American history, where white and black citizens fought for equal rights.

Washington felt that actions have reverberated through time, culminating with the election of our current commander-in-chief Obama.

“He is like the epitome of unity,” said Washington.

If Washington had any complaints about the presentation, it was that there was so much material to cover and so little time afforded.

“It’s a real challenge to do anything comprehensive in one hour.”