Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is greeted at the  University Museum on "Law Day USA", May 1, 1965. (Photo by Bernato, courtesy the University Archives)

Overview: Each year, during the month of January, the University of Pennsylvania and our surrounding communities come together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The commemoration reminds us of our interdependence and reaffirms our commitment to the betterment of our communities through civility and service. Opening our doors to embrace programming and visitors dedicated to realizing Dr. King's vision transforms the campus. Sharing our strengths and diversity as we commemorate Dr. King has an impact on the University that continues to be felt across campus and the Philadelphia community. 

Wednesday January 4th - Friday January 13th “Preparing America's Future Book Drive" Help prepare the minds of America's future, the children! Donate new or slightly used children's books. The donated children's books will support Philadelphia Reads, women and children's shelters and school libraries. DROP OFF LOCATIONS LIST OF BOOKS

A Message from the Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Executive Planning Committee:

Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. will always be remembered as a great orator, and his eloquent speeches and public addresses will be forever embedded in the American conscience. His insight and reflections on the true meaning of justice and equality inspired social programs, cultural education, and cross-cultural dialogue throughout the land.

As we move forward on planning the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium on Social Change, I encourage the entire Penn community to participate in the activities being planned. From January 16 – January 27 we will re-ignite the Dream by building on the Beloved Community that Dr. King spoke so passionately about on numerous occasions. The 2006 Commemorative Symposium will offer dynamic programming that empowers individuals to help end the practice of racism, strengthen and appreciate diversity, embrace cultural arts, nurture a quest for knowledge, support free expression, embrace a growing interfaith community, and promote community service and interracial cooperation.

Most of us know about Dr. King’s teaching of nonviolent social change, equality and justice, but how many of us know about his teachings on serving one another. It is my hope that during this year’s Commemoration we will rekindle Dr. King’s thinking, values and words in the minds of all individuals throughout the Penn Community so that we will make serving one another along with, serving our neighborhoods and communities a way of life. Hopefully, the enriching experience will inspire you to incorporate service in your life.

Please join us on Monday, January 16, 2006 for "A Day On And Not A Day Off." Encourage your family, friends, co-workers and fellow students to sacrifice a portion of the day to participate in one of the several volunteer projects offered by the University.

Afi Roberson-Heywood, Executive Chair
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium Executive Committee

 

"In a multicultural society no group can make it alone...Organized strength will only be effective when it is consolidated through constructive alliances with the majority group." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.