Throughout this weekend and into the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, institutions of higher learning across the country will be celebrating the life and legacy of King, the noted civil rights leader.
In 1983, President Reagan signed a bill to make the birthday of King a public holiday observed on the third Monday of January. Colleges and universities around the country are commemorating King with a variety of events highlighting King’s work toward racial equality and his commitment to desegregation.
Commemorative events include informative talks, exhibitions, screenings, recognition of leaders working for a more equitable world, celebratory marches and prayer services.
Here’s a look at how some colleges and universities are celebrating King’s life and achievements.
· Morehouse College in Georgia is marking King’s birthday month with a lineup of more than a dozen free events highlighting his life and legacy. Festivities begin on Jan. 18 with an exhibition of Morehouse College King Collection artifacts at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Other events include a candle-lighting ceremony, human rights film screenings, a workshop on workers’ rights and motivational talks.
· Florida A&M University (FAMU) celebrated MLK Day with its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on Jan. 16. The guest speaker this year was Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). “FAMU continues to play an integral role in the advancement of civil rights and President Johnson is playing a key role in taking the movement forward,” said Dr. Larry Robinson, president of FAMU.
· As part of MLK Day commemorations, Wayne State University (WSU) marks Jan. 21 as the National Day of Healing from Racism. The goal is to engender discussion on creating a more just and equitable world. Events will include a community discussion and dinner, a mindfulness presentation and a performance by the university’s Black theater and dance ensemble.
