UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A series of events and activities honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. will be held during the week of Jan. 15 at Penn State's University Park campus.
The theme of the 2024 events is "Keep the Movement in Motion."
Those working collaboratively to plan these events included representation from the Nese College of Nursing, Student Affairs, Educational Equity, World Campus, the Center for the Performing Arts, the MLK Jr. Commemoration Student Committee, the Student Programming Association, and the University Park Undergraduate Association, in collaboration with the Borough of State College, University Police and Public Safety, the Forum on Black Affairs, and a variety of others.
On Campus Day of Service – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, various campus locations. Organized by Student Leadership and Involvement, volunteers can sign up for a variety of service projects across campus. Join the Center for Social Change and Belonging for discussions about the importance of social change and how to embody King's words. Sign up for the Day of Service online using OrgCentral.
Voter Registration tables – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, HUB-Robeson Center. Voting in local, state and national elections is one of the most important duties of an engaged citizen. Learn how you can register to vote in your hometown or University community, check your voter registration status, and make a plan to vote. Find more information about voting at psuvotes.psu.edu.
The 49th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet — 4:30–8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State's Forum on Black Affairs (FOBA) will host the banquet at the Bryce Jordan Center to celebrate a week of commemoration focused on the theme "The Movement Continues: Embracing MLK's Dream of a Better World for All," celebrating King's vision of a world where everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, religion or gender. Join FOBA for a buffet dinner and cash bar, performances, recognition of the 2024 Forum of Black Affairs Humanitarian Award and student scholarship winners, and dancing. Tickets can be purchased in advance online on a first-come, first-served basis. Penn State units or departments looking to purchase via internal funds transfer should contact the Bryce Jordan Center at 814-865-5555 or bjcticketcenter@psu.edu. Learn more about the banquet here.
Evening Celebration with Guest Speaker Solidad O’Brien – 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, HUB Heritage Hall. Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and host of the weekly syndicated political show "Matter of Fact," Solidad O’Brien brings a fresh perspective on diverse and contemporary issues to foster change in your own community or organization.
Peace March – 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, MLK Jr. Plaza. The Peace March, hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center in collaboration with State College Borough, embraces the support of our student body and campus community. Commencing at the MLK Jr. Plaza, the march is a symbolic journey culminating at the HUB-Robeson Center’s Lions Lair for a community celebration. This uplifting event will feature captivating student performances and inspiring speeches. We invite you to join us in solidarity as we march for unity, carrying forward the legacy ofKing’s timeless movement. Reservation is requested but not required.
Poetry, Prose and Performance Night – 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 008 HUB. Join us for a vibrant celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, filled with artistry, poetry and the compelling power of spoken word, as we bring together faculty, students and staff along with a featured spoken word artist to honor King's enduring legacy. Those who would like to perform are invited to complete the registration form.
"A Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." — 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, Eisenhower Auditorium. Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University, Penn State choirs Essence of Joy and Essence 2 Ltd., and the State College Area High School Mastersingers will use their voices to uplift and celebrate the hymns and protest songs of an embattled community during a tumultuous era. The event also will include performances by the Penn State dance ensembles Black Elites Dance Team, Dark Storm Team, and Island Fever. Find out more information and purchase tickets for "A Choral Tribute" here.
For other events and recognitions related to King's life and legacy, visit mlk.psu.edu or read this Penn State News story containing a University-wide listing of MLK Day events.