Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Us

Join us for a weeklong celebration from Monday, Jan. 23 through Friday, Jan. 27

Please mark your calendar for Columbus State’s 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The keynote address will be given by speaker and author Theo E.J. Wilson. As we continue the work of Dr. King to build a better, more inclusive, community, Columbus State is proud to champion his powerful messages with a weeklong series of readings, volunteer opportunities, art installations, and more.

Schedule:

Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

In-Person and Remote

Noon to 1:30pm: BEYOND INTEGRATION: UNLEARNING WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

What did Dr. King mean when he said our destinies are tied together? In this discussion of Dr. King's 1967 speech, "The Other America", the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will engage participants in a comparison of the speech’s content with the narratives of Dr. King’s teachings that many of us learned in predominantly white educational institutions. Join us to unpack post-civil rights era understandings of “colorblindness” and integration—often attributed to Dr. King—and examine how they square with his actual words.

Participants may benefit from reading or viewing "The Other America" prior to the discussion but it is not required for meaningful participation. 

Please bring your own lunch. Beverages provided.

We encourage those who can to attend in person. For remote participation, please use this Zoom link.

Location: Center for Workforce Development (WD), room 412

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Noon to 1:30pm: ARTISTIC EXPRESSION DISCUSSION and CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR PRESENTATION

In-Person and Remote

As part of the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the Columbus State community is invited to participate in a review of artistic expression featuring poetry by Theo Wilson. A panel will guide group discussion on themes from the works followed by a participant presentation from the 2022 Civil Rights Tour. Columbus State student attendees will receive a free copy of Wilson’s first book, "The Law of Action". Registration coming soon.

Discussion Zoom Link

Location: Center for Workforce Development (WD), room 412

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

10:00 a.m. to noon: KEYNOTE EVENT

In-Person and Remote

Upward Together: Our Destinies Are Tied Together

Keynote Speaker: Theo E.J. Wilson, speaker and author

Our keynote speaker Theo E.J. Wilson is an award-winning poet, community activist, and author known as “The New Black Klansman” after a video of himself infiltrating the alt-right movement went viral.

Wilson uses his platform to address the importance of having courageous conversations with people whose opinions differ from your own.

Join the Event

George Floyd Memorial Scholarship

As part of the keynote event, the 2022 winner of the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship will be announced. This scholarship, created in memory of George Floyd, is a merit-based award given to students who demonstrate leadership, social justice work, and activism that furthers progress in their community. Interested in supporting Columbus State’s George Floyd Memorial Scholarship? Any contribution is welcome to help extend scholarship awards to deserving students. Just designate your gift to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship fund. Thanks for your consideration.

Give Now

Location: Mitchell Hall (MH) Event Center (second floor)

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Noon to 1:00pm: Trivia Day

In-Person and Remote

Join us for an interactive Trivia Fun Day to learn, celebrate, and elevate the voices of past and present trailblazers. This event will be accessible via Kahoot and the link will be provided during the week of January 23, 2023. Join for the knowledge. Join for the fun. Join for the prizes. No matter what motivates you, we look forward to seeing on Kahoot!

Event link

Location: Center for Workforce Development (WD) Room 412

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.: MLK DAY OF SERVICE

To honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Columbus State Community College will offer the MLK Day of Service on Friday, January 27th, 2023.  Volunteer opportunities will be available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. at various local non-profit organizations throughout Central Ohio. Site leaders and volunteers will engage in reflection and conversation about King's legacy of service and action. Register for MLK Day of Service opportunities beginning on January 17 at tinyurl.com/CSCCMLKDAYOFSERVICE.

Location: Various Locations throughout Central Ohio

Date: January 23 - 27, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Columbus, OH 43215.

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