Reimagining: Joy as a form of resistance

Join the University of Dayton as we celebrate and learn from the life, work and actions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of events, programs and opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and service. For more information, contact mec@udayton.edu or call 937.229.3634.

Monday, Jan. 16

• Procession to the University of Dayton monument to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from the Kennedy Union fountain and wreath laying ceremony starting at 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16. The monument is located across from the Frericks Center. Open to the public. It also will be broadcast on the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center YouTube channel.
• Faculty, staff and students will participate in the city of Dayton's Martin Luther King Day march at 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16. Open to the public. 

Tuesday, Jan. 17

• The University will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast "Reimagining: Joy as a Form of Resistance" at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Kennedy Union ballroom. It is sold out. The keynote speaker is Dayton-native The Very Reverend Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and canon theologian at Washington National Cathedral. She is the author of Resurrection hope: a future where Black lives matter and Stand your ground: black bodies and the justice of God (books link to unlimited e-book copies). Read her bio here. Also during the breakfast, the University also will recognize the University’s MLK Scholars and Dream Keepers, UD faculty and staff exemplifying excellence in leadership and service which embodies King’s philosophy to improve the human experience and advance civil rights. The breakfast menu includes chicken and waffles, crustless broccoli and cheddar quiche, fruit cup, tofu scrambled eggs, vegan chicken strip and waffle, vegan crustless quiche, grilled chicken breast, gluten free waffle, coffee, orange juice and water.
• In addition to the breakfast, the Very Reverend Brown Douglas will speak as part of the UD Speaker Series 7 to 8 p.m. in the Kennedy Union Ballroom. It is open to the public. It is open to the public.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

• University libraries and UD's Department of History will host a film screening of and dialogue about "At the River I Stand" 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Roesch Library 240. "At the River I Stand" chronicles the Memphis sanitation workers strike of 1968 and King's assassination. This is a PATH-eligible event; register here.

Thursday, Jan. 19

• Table of Plenty lunch discussion for UD faculty, staff and students on social justice topics related to the impact and legacy of King at 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the McGinnis Room in the Adele Center. Sponsored by the Center for Social Concern and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center. Register here.

Friday, Jan. 20 - event postponed to next month

• Join Black Action Through Unity and UD's Student Government Association in celebrating Black joy and the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a poetry slam 5-7 p.m. at the MLK memorial outside Roesch library, as we honor the message of black heritage and experience at the University of Dayton. 

Saturday, Jan. 21

• Faculty, students and staff will participate in a day of service — the MLK Social Justice Plunge — at the Dayton International Peace Museum 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Register here.

Sunday, Jan. 29

• The Rev. Peter Edward Matthews of McKinley United Methodist Church in Dayton will present "Community InterFaith Prayers, Praise and Preaching - Commemorating the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." at 5 p.m. in the Kennedy Union Torch Lounge.