Make it an “On” Day
It is my pleasure to share this message of inspiration and introspection authored by Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., our director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dean David C. Sarrett
A new year is often an anticipated event. A time to reset, start anew and perhaps even make a resolution or two. Resolutions often give us something to look forward to, driving anticipation and a greater hope for harnessing the best in ourselves, others and even society at large. Still combating the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic, I can think of no greater sentiment to grasp firmly than hope. A hope driving us toward innovation, further vaccine development and distribution, and optimal health and wellbeing for all.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. A celebrated humanitarian, Civil Rights activist, Freedom Fighter and advocate for nonviolent social change, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his mission-minded legacy presents us annually with a great opportunity to examine ourselves and explore how we can be better and do more for this world, particularly for the least among us. On the heels of the year 2020, facing both a global pandemic and global racial unrest, which laid bare racial health inequities and disparities – perhaps like no other in our modern time, we at the VCU School of Dentistry pause to celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. King. We also stand with the larger VCU community in a call to action and service, particularly doing our part in combating the racism and racial discrimination remaining in our world today.
Although in many contexts MLK Day is indeed a day off, I charge you to have a different perspective – make it a day “ON.” Be “ON” and find yourself standing in the tradition of what Dr. King noted as a “beloved community” doing your part to ensure all people are valued, respected and treated with dignity. I invite you to join me virtually in attending the Annual VCU MLK Celebration where this year’s theme is “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” You can register online for the keynote Sunday, January 17th, listen to a message from President Rao, and connect with a school supply drive to support Richmond and Henrico public school students here.
Looking forward to a day ON together.
Carlos M. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., director of ethics curriculum and diversity, equity and inclusion
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