Northern Arizona University will host its annual MLK Celebration and Day of Service on Jan. 17. Though the university is officially closed for the holiday, the Office of Inclusion invites folks to events that strive to recognize and emulate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Tease, coordinator in IMQ and Diversity Fellow, is lead on the events that begin 10 a.m. Monday. The theme of the event is A Call to Action: “Awakening from the Dream.”
“Remembered on this holiday and throughout the year, the annual celebration is a special event remembering Martin Luther King, Jr’s peaceful activism, call for social justice and leadership,” Tease said.
The celebration, which will include musical performances and a speech from President José Luis Cruz Rivera, begins in the du Bois Ballroom and will be followed by a march and day of service on campus and throughout the Flagstaff community. Masks will be required for in-person attendees. The morning celebration will be offered in a hybrid format. If you would like to join virtually, email Inclusion@nau.edu with your name and email address to receive the Zoom information.
After the commemorative march from the du Bois Center to the Office of Inclusion, participants can participate from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Day of Service at four locations throughout the city. Options for volunteering include the Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Sunshine Rescue Mission and Hope Cottage. Transportation will be provided for those who need it during service hours.
Participants will be asked to register for volunteer activities. For those who may not be able to attend, donations of nonperishable food items can be delivered to Louie’s Cupboard to support the campus community.
“We invite you to join us and hope that that this year’s program, inspired by Dr. King’s life and legacy, provides opportunities for learning, for reflection, for hope and for unity,” Tease said.
For those joining in-person, attendance may be limited and masks and physical distancing will be required throughout the duration of the event.