University of Richmond celebrates MLK Day with learning and service opportunities; film screening and commemoration open to the public

In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the University of Richmond has planned a variety of learning and service activities on Jan. 15 and 16.

To kick off the holiday, University of Richmond will partner with HandsOn RVA and The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities for the second year to co-host a film screening and discussion at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown on Sunday, Jan. 15. “Race,” a 2016 biographical sports drama film about African-American athlete Jesse Owens' quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history, will be shown at 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. The movie will be followed by a short panel discussion and community conversation.

The university is closed during the day on Monday for the MLK Day holiday, so students, faculty and staff will have opportunities to serve in the community and participate in meaningful RVA history tours and other events. Service opportunities range from assembling meal bags for the families staying at Ronald McDonald house to clearing out the weeds, vines and brush at the historic East End Cemetery. A family day is being held with activities for children.

Richmond’s MLK commemoration event, “Honoring the Legacy, Engaging the Dream,” will be held Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Modlin Center for the Arts, Camp Concert Hall. Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core, will deliver the keynote address. Interfaith Youth Core is an organization focused on uniting people of all faiths and traditions to cooperate on important social issues like sustainability and multiculturalism. Patel served on President Obama’s inaugural Faith Council. The commemoration ceremony also will feature the Ngoma African Dance Company and University of Richmond’s a capella group The Octaves. This event is free and open to the public.

University of Richmond’s MLK Day events are organized by the Office of Common Ground and sponsored by an array of campus partners.

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