On the third Monday of January, the nation celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Having played a pivotal role in the legal desegregation of African-Americans in Southern states and other areas of the nation, King was decorated with many honors – including the Nobel Peace Prize.
Once again, Belmont will take part in the commemoration by holding events throughout the week.
On Monday, there was a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. in the Beaman Student Life Center. Students and faculty commemorated King in a procession across campus.
There will be a keynote address by Tim Wise called “Colorblindness Was Not the Dream: MLK Black Lives Matter and the Struggle for Racial Equality.” Held in McAfee Concert Hall, the event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and count as academic lecture convocation credit.
On Wednesday, chapel speaker and civil rights activist, John Perkins, will discuss the topic “Race Matters.” The event runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be counted for Christian faith development convocation.
On Wednesday evening, the MLK Worship Service with the Black Students’ Association will be held in the chapel. The service will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m and be Christian faith development convocation.
Join students and faculty in the Massey Boardroom Thursday afternoon for an open discussion regarding the experience of race and ethnicity in the Belmont community. “Campus Dialogue on Race and Ethnicity” runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be personal/professional growth convocation.
Also on Thursday, join the Office of Alumni Relations at the Foutch House to hear historical perspective on diversity at Belmont. The MLK Networking Night will run from 5:30 pm to 6:50 p.m. and will be personal/professional growth convocation.
On Friday, Betty Wiseman, founder of Belmont women’s basketball program, will share her experience and stories from the beginning years of the program. “In the Beginning: A Discussion on the Early Years of Belmont Women’s Basketball,” will be held in the chapel from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be academic lecture convocation.
In remembrance of a man’s life work, now is the time to seize an opportunity and carry on on his legacy by taking part in this weeks events.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others,” said King.
This article was written by Meg MacDonald.