2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join us in celebration all week long, starting Monday, January 16th!

Each year, Ohio University celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the month of January. The 2023 celebration aims to embody one of Dr. King's most pertinent traits: compassion.

The week-long celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with inclusive OHIO and regional communities tributes that highlights equality and social justice. We honor Dr. King for his work toward racial equality and justice for all people and for his dedication to nonviolence.

Schedule:

Monday, January 16, 2023

10:00am - 10:30am: MLK Jr. Celebration 2023 - Silent March

Join us for a silent march from Galbreath Chapel to Baker University Center. This event is co-hosted by the MLK Jr. Celebration Committee and OHIO's Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chapter.

Location: Gilbreath Chapel - OHIO University College Green

11:00am - 1:00pm: MLK Celebratory Brunch

Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The 2023 celebration aims to embody one of Dr. King's most pertinent traits: compassion.

Individual tickets for the MLK Jr. Celebratory Brunch can be purchased by students for $10 and non-students for $30. Tables can be purchased as celebration sponsorships are $180 for student organizations and $500 for non-students and university departments.  

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/ohiodiversity

Location: Baker Ballroom, 1 Park Place Drive, Athens, OH, 45701.

8:00am - 5:00pm: Community Service School Supply Drive

In honor of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Ohio University Southern Office of Student Services and the Education Department will host a school supply drive to benefit local primary, middle and high school students. The Collins building and the faculty office in the Dingus building will have a contribution container near the main entrance and collect items from January 16–February 17.

Contact Lisa Cantrell at 740.533.4600 or [email protected] for more info.

Location: Ohio University Southern Campus, 1804 Liberty Avenue, Ironton, Ohio

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

3:00pm: MLK Jr. Celebration - Movies at the Athena

Join us for a screening of the movie Till at the Athena Cinema on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 during our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Location: Athena Cinema, 20 South Court Street, Athens, Ohio 45701

6:30pm - 8:00pm: Fireside Chat with Reverend Wheeler Parker - MLK Jr.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Rev. Parker during our weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, OHIO Alum, will be the moderator for the event. This MLK Celebration 2023 event is sponsored by Regional Higher Ed (RHE).

Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr is the cousin and best friend of the late Emmett Till. He is the last surviving eyewitness of Till’s kidnapping. Rev. Parker’s memoir, A Few days full of Trouble, published by Random House, will be released January 10, 2023.  The pursuit of justice in the lynching and brutal murder of his best friend and cousin on August 28, 1955 has been a central focal point of his mission and ministry for years.  His journey to justice has included a relentless advocacy for truth, as he has been deeply disappointed by the many erroneous news, books, and documentary reports that have been produced surrounding Emmett’s case.  He has carried this commitment as a truth-bearer, with a message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Format: Virtual | Microsoft TEAMS

RSVP at: https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5By5Mf0lYs9E9rU

FREE and Open to the Public

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

6:00pm - 7:00pm: MLK Jr. Celebration - Black Excellence Panel

Join us for an empowering conversation about Black excellence during our weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This discussion will take place via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 6-7 PM.

RSVP https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4UxawAp9c9NMog6

12pm - 1pm: Self Compassion and Self-Care Luncheon

This event will include lunch and a panel of mental health resource professionals of color. RSVP at: https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eK9t54ozMRAJvJs

Location: Baker University Center, Room 231

Thursday, January 19, 2023

12:00pm - 3:00pm: MLK Celebration - Service Fair

Join us for a service fair in collaboration with the Center for Campus & Community Engagement during our weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr!

Community organizations are invited to join us at Baker Center to engage with students, staff, and faculty to share volunteer, internship, research or other opportunities or partnerships with your organization.

The fair will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 12-3 PM in Baker 240/242.

Tables and chairs will be provided, and staff will be available to help upload at the bottom of Baker Center. Parking passes will also be provided for participating community organizations.

Partner organizations are welcome to arrive as early as 11AM to set-up.

Nonprofit Registration: https://ohio.givepulse.com/event/334740

Student Registration: https://ohio.givepulse.com/event/336645

Location: Baker University Center , 240/242, 1 Park Place, Athens, Ohio 45701

Friday, January 20, 2023

6:30pm - 9:00pm: MLK Celebration - Comedy and Variety Show

Our weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will come to a close with a comedy and variety show on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 in Baker Theatre from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A comedian will perform along with step performances by members of the NPHC fraternities and sororities and other variety show acts to follow.

Location: Baker University Center , Baker Theatre, 1 Park Place, Athens, Ohio 45701

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

5:30pm: Legacy Awards Reception

As part of our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration, the Ohio University Southern Council on Diversity and Inclusion will host our inaugural reception honoring the recipients of the 2023 Legacy Awards and student winners of the MLK Writing Contest. This free event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Location: Ohio University Southern , Riffe Rotunda, 1804 Liberty Avenue, Ironton, Ohio

Date: January 16 - 20, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Athens, OH 45701.

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