University of Richmond Celebrates MLK Day With Series of Events
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration — "Commit to Humanity" — includes a series of events from Jan. 15–23.
All of the University’s MLK-related events, which include small group conversations, a service project, a panel discussion, and a community gathering, are open to UR students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and the greater community.
“For this year’s theme, we drew inspiration from King’s famous call to action to ‘make a career of humanity,’” said MLK committee chair Anthony Crenshaw, director of operations and strategic initiatives for equity and community. “The organizing committee hopes participants connect with the content and remember King’s legacy.”
UR’s MLK Celebration Events include:
Community Conversations
Monday, Jan. 15, multiple times and locations
Community Conversations provide opportunities to engage in dialogue across differences. Facilitators will offer their perspectives then invite participants into discussion. Registration is required.
DIY Service Project
Monday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Tyler Haynes Commons, Room 305
Participants will create blankets for the Elk Hill Group Home and community support bags for Peter Paul. No registration is required for this event and participants are welcome to join for all or part of the session.
Panel Discussion: Commitment to Humanity: The Church as A Movement for Inclusive Action
Thursday, Jan. 18, 6–7 p.m., Robins Center, Spider Hall
Panelists at this event will speak about how faith communities have and can continue to be key centers of inclusive social movements. UR professor Lauranett Lee will facilitate a panel with Rev. Benjamin Campbell, author of Richmond’s Unhealed History, Rev. Dr. Faith B. Harris, executive director of Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, and George W. C. Lyons, Jr., senior pastor of Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg.
A Beloved Community Gathering
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 4–5 p.m., Cannon Memorial Chapel
The culminating event of the MLK Celebration features a keynote address by Judge Roger L. Gregory, the first black judge on the Fourth Circuit, and musical performances. A reception will follow in The Current in Tyler Haynes Commons.
Learn more and register for these events at engage.richmond.edu/events/mlk/events.
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Editor’s Note: Media are welcome to attend the service project on Jan. 15 and the main community events on Jan. 18 and 23. Please RSVP to Sunni Brown at sbrown5@richmond.edu if you plan to attend.