Throughout the months of January and February, Saint Anselm College will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy with a series of events themed around “Language of the Unheard.”
Wayne Currie, director of the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion says, “This year’s MLK Jr. events definitely have their challenges with the pandemic. The theme was chosen because of what is going on in society today. We wanted the community to recognize that the movement that MLK Jr. started over 50 years ago, his fight, struggles and pleas, are still very evident today.”
The twenty events planned by this year’s dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee involved the collaboration of many campus departments and offices, demonstrating the community’s commitment to honoring Dr. King. The programming includes a film discussion, music, trivia, speakers, and a retreat.
The month-long celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy began with the “Beloved Community Commemorative Service” on Jan. 18, which featured keynote speaker Bishop TD Jakes, an author, filmmaker, and bishop of Potter’s House, a non-denominational American megachurch.
Following this is another exciting event, sponsored by the Office of the President. Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, president of Saint Anselm College, will host a webinar titled MLK, Memphis and Me on Monday, Jan. 25. This presentation will discuss Dr. King’s work and death in Memphis through the reflection and memory of a 13-year old white boy who grew up there.
Additional highlights of the month include:
- A movie and discussion of “John Lewis: Good Trouble” on Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the Melucci Auditorium. This film takes an intimate look at the legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’s life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism.
- “My Voice My Choice” on Sat., Feb. 13, will feature several powerful, original spoken word poems that speak to the many different ways your voice can be used, such as advocating for yourself, speaking against injustices, and using your voice to create opportunities.
- “Sr. Desire Findlay: A discussion about racism and the Catholic Church” on Thurs., Feb. 18. Sr. Desire, who currently serves as the vocation outreach minister for the Felician Sisters, talks of how prayer can impact our lives and affect change in the world.
- A student panel called “Equity and Racial Inclusivity,” a vigil and candlelight march, and a campus mass.
The full schedule of events is available on the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion’s website.
2021 Planning Committee
Wayne Currie (Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion), Rina Ficek (Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion), Patrice Russell (College Advancement), Fr. Stephen Lawson, O.S.B. (Campus Ministry), Lauren Burrows (Career Development Center), Sarah Maynard (Assistant Professor, Sociology), Ashley Fletcher (Residential Life), David McKillop (Student Engagement and Leadership), Hannah Cabullo (Library), Katherine Carey (Meelia Center), Ian Durham (Physics), Sean Parr (Fine Arts) and students Jillian Barret, Kathryn Williams, Ashley Locke-Hunter, and Jennifer Diaz-Salvador
2021 Sponsors
Office of the President, Campus Activity Board (CAB), Campus Ministry, The Father Jonathan Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, Debate Team, Geisel Library, Multicultural Student Coalition, Office of Student Engagement and Leadership Programs, Fine Arts Department, Saint Anselm Network for Racial Justice, and the Grappone Humanities Institute