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30th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week: Lift Every Voice, Now More Than Ever

January 20-27: Salem State hosts week of events to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 7, 2020

On behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Black History Month Collaborative, we are pleased to announce Salem State’s upcoming Celebration theme as “Lift Every Voice, Now More Than Ever.”

This year marks the 30th annual celebration for our community, and it would be a great honor to celebrate the life and works of Dr. King with you. We will kick off our week with a vigil, Freedom March, and reception on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. in Veterans Hall (Ellison Campus Center) on North Campus at Salem State University.

The candlelight vigil serves as the opening of our celebration for the celebration week, and an opportunity for the community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to social activism and the legacy that has inspired us to continue his movement.

Following the candlelight vigil, we will have a Freedom March together from Veteran’s Hall marching down to Viking Hall 123 and the Starbucks Café on Central Campus for a reception honoring of the 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Awardees. Additionally, programming held by Salem State students, faculty, and the LEAD office will be happening around campus throughout the week:

MLK Candlelight Vigil, Freedom March, and Leadership Awards Reception

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 4:30 pm-7 pm

Veterans Hall (Ellison Campus Center), Viking Hall 123 and Starbucks Café (Viking Hall)

The candlelight vigil serves as the opening of our celebration for the celebration week, and an opportunity for the community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to social activism and the legacy that has inspired us to continue his movement.

Following the candlelight vigil, we will have a Freedom March together from Veteran’s Hall marching down to Viking Hall 123 and the Starbucks Café on Central Campus for a Reception honoring of the 2020 MLK Leadership Awardees. All attendees are invited to attend the Leadership Award reception with light refreshments immediately following. This program honors members of the community whose work affirm the legacy of Dr. King.

Nominate a Salem State community member for the MLK Leadership Award (i.e., student, staff, faculty, and/or alumni).

*Refreshments Provided

Community Book Dialogue on “How to Be an Antiracist” with Dr. Neenah Estrella-Luna

Thursday, January 23, 2020 from noon-1:30 pm

Martin Luther King, Jr. Room (Ellison Campus Center)

Book Dialogue with campus community members to discuss content from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book, “How to Be an Antiracist,” facilitated by Dr. Neenah Estrella-Luna.

*Lunch Provided

Through the Wire: Hip Hop’s Birthplace and MLK’s Legacy

Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 3 pm-4:30 pm

LEAD Center for Diversity & Cultural Enrichment (2nd floor of the Ellison Campus Center)

Join the LEAD Office as we discuss and workshop how the birthplace of hip-hop coincides with MLK's legacy and how we can learn to harness the art for change through workshopping writing for change. 

*Refreshments Provided

30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation with Keynote

Monday, January 27, 2020 from 11:30 am-1:15 pm

Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts

Our keynote address for the convocation will be given by Ibram X. Kendi, PhD, one of America’s foremost historians and leading antiracist voices. He is a New York Times bestselling author and the Founding Director of The Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C. 

A professor of history and international relations, a contributor to The Atlantic and CBS News, and author of award-winning books such as The Black Campus Movement and Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. His third book, "How to Be an Antiracist," was published on August 13, 2019, debuting at No. 2 on The New York Times Bestseller List. His next book, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, will be released on March 10, 2020. It is the much-anticipated remix of Stamped From the Beginning for young people, written by New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. On June 16, 2020, Kendi’s first board book, "Antiracist Baby," is set for publication.

Following the Keynote, Kendi will host a Q&A for audience members as well as a book signing. Learn more about Kendi and his work.

*Refreshments Provided

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If you have any questions, please contact the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Black History Month Collaborative at blackhistorymonth@live.salemstate.edu.

This event is coordinated by Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Black History Month Collaborative, which includes representatives of the Black Employee Resource Group (BERG), Center for Creative and Performing Arts, Department of Sociology, Enrollment Management, First Year Experience, Inclusive Excellence Office, Institutional Advancement, LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Diversity) Office, Multicultural Student Association, Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee, School of Social Work,  Urban Arts Theatre.

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