Kansas State University

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week events Jan. 22-26

Submitted by Mirta Chavez

Dear Wildcats,

It is our true honor to welcome you to join in K-State's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week events and activities.

On Jan. 19, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to an audience of Kansas State University students, faculty, staff and Manhattan community members about civil rights, social activism and race relations. King delivered his message advocating for nonviolent approaches to social tensions to advance the health of the country. Let's take time to reflect on the embodiment of these characteristics in Martin Luther King Jr., whose actions shall encourage us to remain steadfast in our efforts to move our campus and communities toward building a sense of belonging where all feel welcome.

The week's activities include:

Saturday, Jan. 20

• MLK Day of Service, 8 a.m. to noon at the Staley School of Leadership.

Monday, Jan. 22

• 20th annual Diversity Student Leader Reception, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Wildcat Chamber at the K-State Student Union or Zoom: 914 2061 6544.

Tuesday, Jan. 23

• Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for Diversity, 3:30-5 p.m. in the K-State Alumni Center Banquet Room.
• "Brother Outsider" film screening, 5:30-8 p.m. in the Oneok Room of the Multicultural Student Center.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

• 10th annual Civil Rights Teach-In, 2:30-5 p.m. in Town Hall at the Leadership Studies Building.
• IFSA/NASB MLK Week Speaker, 5:30-7 p.m. in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union.

Thursday, Jan. 25

• MLK Presidential Lecture, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the K-State Alumni Center Ballroom.
• College of Business Administration Lecture, 1:30-2:30 p.m. in 1088 Business Building.

Friday, Jan. 26

• Affinity Group Lunch and Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 204/205 of the Multicultural Student Center.
• Laying of the Wreaths and Candlelight Ceremony, 1:30 p.m. in the K-State Student Union courtyard and Martin Luther King Jr. bust.

Read more details about all of these events.

It is our hope that you will join us for as many of these events as possible as we celebrate the legacy and influence of Martin Luther King Jr. on the Kansas State University campus.

A special thank you to the MLK Observance Week committee, Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Vice President for Academic Success and Student Affairs, Commerce Bank Selection Committee, Student Belonging and Inclusion, Division of Communications and Marketing as well as various colleges and student organizations, and advocates for social change across our campus community who have contributed to this year's observance week activities.

May we all make time to engage in next week's activities with a spirit of reflection and action in honoring the great legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Much appreciation,

Mirta Chavez
Assistant vice president, student belonging and inclusion