Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week at VCU
2020 was a year unlike any other. We navigated a global pandemic, protests against racial violence, the effects of climate change, and one of the most significant elections in the history of the United States.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, in his letter from a Birmingham Jail, wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Dr. King’s words are enduring and it’s our duty to humanity to realize the impact of our actions and consequences.
VCU MLK Week returns Jan. 17 with a virtual keynote event, “Social Justice and Contemplative Practice: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Oliver Hill, Jr.” As a child Dr. Hill integrated Richmond Public Schools. Later, he taught psychology at Virginia State University and was an expert in the field of contemplative practice. Sunday’s keynote will focus on Dr. Hill’s legacy as an educator and practitioner. Details for event registration are available at https://mlkday.vcu.edu/. I’m sure the keynote event will provide so much to think about as we start a new year full of change.
A school supply drive, along with other events and volunteer opportunities, is also scheduled for the week of Jan. 17. Collection information can be found on VCU MLK’s site, https://mlkday.vcu.edu/#main.
We aren’t able to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy together this year but I am optimistic that we will celebrate together next year. In the meanwhile, please continue to learn and work for a world that is aware of our shared network of mutuality.