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. 

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

“The saving of our world from pending doom will come…through the creative maladjustment of a non-conforming minority. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

The Encarta dictionary describes maladjustment as behaving awkwardly in social settings. What would Dr. King’s creative maladjustment look like today? Would he criticize Wall Street’s fiscal behavior? Would Dr. King openly incriminate the American public for the blind acceptance of the highest prison population rate in the world which today is 686 per 100,000? Finally, would Dr. King America’s 16th Nobel Prize Winner call for major demonstrations at our government’s decision to wage to war in Iraq? Dr. King is an American hero because he took a stand against wrongs committed by gigantic institutions as earlier colonial nation builders refused continued oppression from the British government. I humbly ask you the Penn community and any others to support the University of Pennsylvania’s honoring of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an American hero, by participating in the 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium on Social Change. The symposium runs from Monday, January 19th thru Friday, January 31st. It all begins on Monday, January 19, 2009 with our Day of Service Breakfast doors opening at 8:00 a.m. at Houston Hall on campus. During the Day of Service Breakfast, we have opening remarks by the University of Pennsylvania’s President, Dr. Amy Gutmann and a spirited message by a chosen Philadelphia community leader. Hundreds of volunteers than converge to a local site (i.e. often times a local Philadelphia public school) to perform much needed duties as part of the Day of Service Volunteer activities. Houston Hall also hosts hundreds of volunteers involving themselves in banner painting, pillow making for seniors and veterans. Volunteers also traditionally enjoy making audio books on tape to be used in literacy programs throughout the city. Free educational programs are offered during the two week symposium period focusing on a variety of issues like eradicating racism, economic injustice and peacemaking. The above information reflects some highlights of the symposium. Come and be a part of the “non-conforming minority”, join us in honoring Dr. King and his value for a more compassionate community.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert Carter
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.