On Jan. 20, the United States of America paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders in the American civil rights movement. This federal holiday is observed on the third Monday in January each year, also known as MLK Day. King is best known for his advocacy for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to combat racial inequality, where he played a pivotal role in landmark events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956), the March on Washington (1963) and the passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965).
Throughout the country, there are traditions and observances where many people participate in community service, aligning with King’s philosophy of service and activism. For example, parades, educational events and public lectures are common to be held to celebrate his life and work. Here at Doane University, the “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy” was an event held by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program that lasted from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, starting with Coffee and Conversations at the Lincoln campus early in the morning on Jan. 20.
On Jan. 21, the MLK Kick-Off & Proclamation began at 10 a.m. where campus partners were invited to join for a reflection and remarks in a live and Zoom environment, encouraging all staff, faculty and students to come along. Events on Jan. 22 included a webinar titled “Breaking Barriers: Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in BIPOC communities” featuring licensed mental health therapist and founder of Radiant Counseling Dalia Ruvalcaba and an MLK Vigil featuring Myeisha Essex, associate director at the YWCA in Lincoln, and members of the Doane choir.
On Jan. 23, two art sessions facilitated by Professor Eric Stearns of “The Story Through My Eyes” consisted of guests planning out a design on a 6×6 bisque ceramic tile to share their stories for each tile. Finally, on Jan. 24, the presentation “A Time to Break Silence,” with Dr. Jamar Dorsey and Dr. Teresa Perkins on the Lincoln campus, was given as a conclusion to this reflective and historical week at Doane institutions.
