Dartmouth’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Dartmouth College is set to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month with a series of impactful events, highlighted by a fireside chat featuring Bernice A. King, the youngest child of the iconic civil rights leader and CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Scheduled for January 28 at 7 p.m. in the Hanover Inn, this engaging dialogue will be moderated by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a noted author and scholar.
A Discussion on “The Urgency of Now”
The theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, “The Urgency of Now—A Time for Truth and Action,” reflects a commitment to tackling contemporary social and racial injustices. “This theme arose from the Dartmouth MLK Committee’s desire to inspire awareness and proactive efforts toward alleviating injustices,” explains Tennille Haynes, the Associate Vice President for Inclusion and Strategic Engagement.
Bernice A. King’s Commitment to Justice
Bernice A. King stands as a leading voice for justice and peace, championing the principles that shaped her family’s legacy. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, founded by her mother, Coretta Scott King, serves as a living memorial dedicated to her father’s vision of a nonviolent society. King’s role at the Center encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at advocacy, education, and social change.
She is widely recognized for her impactful work, such as her role in 2020, when she galvanised Atlanta’s business leaders to prioritize racial equity and successfully advocated for hate crime legislation. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including two Phoenix Awards, celebrating her substantial contributions to society.
Featured Voices and Recognitions
Modifying the conversation, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, who will lead the discussion, is a prominent figure in the realm of African-American Studies. As a professor at Princeton University and a MacArthur Fellow, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the dialogue. Notably, Taylor’s book, Race for Profit, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, evidencing her significant contributions to discussions on Black politics and racial justice.
Engaging in the Community
Following the fireside chat, attendees will have an exclusive opportunity for a book signing event, with the first 25 people receiving a complimentary copy of Bernice King’s latest work. This gesture highlights the importance of scholarship in continuing Dr. King’s message.
Additional Activities Marking the Celebration
Dartmouth’s MLK celebration extends beyond the fireside chat, offering a variety of engaging events designed to foster community engagement and reflection. Highlights include:
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Photo Exhibition: Award-winning photographer Becky Field presents “Different Roots, Common Dreams,” showcasing the vibrant diversity of New Hampshire’s immigrant communities. This event, scheduled for January 13, will include artist engagement at the DHMC Williamson Gallery.
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Employee Breakfast: An employee breakfast on January 19 invites colleagues to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while enjoying conversation and community building.
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Awards Luncheon: The Geisel School of Medicine will host an awards luncheon, “I Am the Dream: the Past, Present, and Future,” recognizing individuals or organizations actively working to realize Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.
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Community Reading Group: The Dartmouth Community Reading Group will introduce King: A Life, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography by Jonathan Eig. Free copies will be available beginning January 19.
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Multifaith Community Celebration: A multifaith service at Rollins Chapel on January 22 will further promote unity and reflection on Dr. King’s teachings.
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Film Screenings: Throughout January and February, films related to civil rights and social justice will be shown, including Kishi Bashi’s Omoiyari: A Song Film, which examines the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during WWII.
A Call to Action
These events at Dartmouth not only commemorate Dr. King’s legacy but also ignite a passion for justice and community involvement among participants. As Tennille Haynes observes, the celebration encourages attendees to “move past daily fears and distractions” and actively seek justice.
With an array of talks, exhibitions, and community gatherings, Dartmouth’s MLK celebration promises to not only honor the achievements of the past but also inspire action for a better future. More information about the events can be accessed here.
