University Libraries

By Kevin Cretsos

“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.”

— Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham, Alabama, jail, April 16, 1963

As the campus community celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering character and conviction as a catalyst for the civil rights movement. Using civil disobedience and nonviolence, he leveraged campaigns that led to successful legislative reform like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Despite imprisonment and death, King inspired activists across the globe, fighting injustice and racial disparities.

A Catholic and Marianist institution, the University of Dayton upholds a commitment toward diversity, equity and inclusion as an anti-racist institution. In honoring King’s legacy, here are five activities you can do:

1. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with these on-campus events.

2. Read works by King:

• The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

• A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Letter from Birmingham City Jail

• Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Last Interview and Other Conversations

• Strength to Love

• Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? [eBook]

• A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr.

3. Learn about civil rights history:

• Civil Rights Milestones (by NAACP)
• Civil Rights Act of 1964 online exhibit (by Library of Congress)

4. Learn about racism and anti-racism:

• 158 Resources to Understand Racism (by Smithsonian Magazine)
• Libraries Anti-racism Resources Guide (by University Libraries)

5. Learn about the Dialogue Zone.

— Kevin Cretsos is a library systems support specialist and a member of the University Libraries Diversity and Inclusion Team.