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K-State Today

January 19, 2023

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week Jan. 23-27

Submitted by Mirta Chavez

Dear Wildcats,

It is our true honor to welcome you to join in next week's Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week events and activities, "Together We Can Be The Dream."

On Jan. 19, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to an audience of Kansas State University students, faculty, staff and Manhattan community members about civil rights, social activism and race relations. King delivered his message advocating for nonviolent approaches to social tensions to advance the health of the country. Let's take time to reflect on the embodiment of these characteristics in Martin Luther King Jr., whose actions shall encourage us to remain steadfast in our efforts to move our campus and communities toward building a sense of belonging where all feel welcome.

Next week's activities include:

Saturday, Jan. 21

  • MLK Day of Service.

Monday, Jan. 23

  • "Finding a Winner: Indicators of Inclusion in the Workplace" presentation, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Cottonwood Room at the K-State Student Union.
  • 19th annual Diversity Student Leader Reception, 5:30-7 p.m. in Room 204/205 of the Multicultural Student Center or Zoom: 928 9406 3140.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

  • Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for Diversity, 3:30-5 p.m. in the K-State Alumni Center Banquet Room.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

  • Ninth annual Civil Rights Teach-In, 2-5 p.m. in Town Hall at the Leadership Studies Building.

Thursday, Jan. 26

  • MLK Presidential Lecture, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the K-State Alumni Center Ballroom.
  • "Authenticity At Work" College of Business Administration panel, 4-5 p.m. in 1088 Business Building.
  • "Brother Outsider" film screening, 5:30-8 p.m. in the Purple Masque Theatre.

Friday, Jan. 27

  • Annual brown bag lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 204/205 of the Multicultural Student Center.
  • Laying of the Wreaths and Candlelight Ceremony, 1:30 p.m in the Union Courtyard and Martin Luther King Jr. bust.

Read more details about all of these events. 

It is our hope that you will join us for as many of these events as possible as we celebrate the legacy and influence of Martin Luther King Jr. on the Kansas State University campus.

A special thank you to the MLK Observance Week committee, Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Commerce Bank Selection Committee, Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs, various colleges and student organizations, and advocates for social change across our campus community who have contributed to this year's observance week activities.

May we all make time to engage in next week's activities with a spirit of reflection and action in honoring the great legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Much appreciation,

Mirta Chavez
Interim Associate Vice President for Student Life