2024 MLK Week
The 2024 theme "It Starts with Me: The Quest for Peace and Justice 60 Years Later" is a call for reflection to the Baldwin Wallace Community at a time when communities local and abroad are embroiled in unrest yet unrelenting in a quest for peace and justice.
The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's Nobel Peace Prize speech, where he opines,
I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.
Even now, we are called to consider the ways that each action toward the daybreak of peace and brotherhood begins with a tiny step, an action that each person takes to be in community with one another.
Join the MLK Commemoration Committee in a week of events as we honor both the National MLK Center theme “It Starts with Me” and the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize.
The 34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is sponsored by Baldwin Wallace University in conjunction with the Berea community and the Campus/Community MLK Week Committee 2024.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For more information, call the Center for Inclusion at (440) 826-2395.
Schedule of Events
Baldwin Wallace Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Community Campaign
Week of January 15
This year, we invite the Baldwin Wallace community to participate in the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration poster campaign, “It Starts with Me!”
In what ways does peace and justice begin with you? You have an opportunity to submit a short response with your photo and name. Posters will then be mailed to you to place on your office or residence hall door. You will also receive a digital version of the poster for use on your social media during the MLK Commemoration. The digital version will also be used on BW social media, Center for Inclusion social media and during the commemoration panel.
We hope you join us in the conversation!
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students, faculty and staff.
AmeriCorps Service Pop-Up Pantries
Week of January 15
The David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement is sponsoring Pop-Up Pantries for those in need at all MLK events.
Berea Community Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 15, 9 a.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
200 Emerson Avenue, Berea, OH 44017
Join us for a reflective celebration featuring music, readings and keynote speaker J.T. Hairston Sr.
National Day of Racial Healing Student Jacket Circle
Tuesday, January 16, 6-8 p.m.
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
A Jacket Circle is an experiential process by which, through storytelling and deep listening, we can embrace our common humanity, learn to see ourselves in one another, and approach difficult issues and needed policy changes through the lens of empathy and compassion. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with their peers in a hands-on, transformational experience.
Sponsored by the Truth and Racial Health Transformation Center Team.
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students.
Refresh and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemoration Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, January 18, 11 a.m.
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
All are welcome to attend this ecumenical service sponsored by the BW Office of Spiritual Life and Black Student Alliance.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration/Enduring Questions Lecture Series Panel
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m.
Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)
It Starts with Me: The Quest for Peace and Justice 60 Years Later
Join the MLK Commemoration Committee in this opportunity to hear from an esteemed panel and engage in dialogue with those in attendance. How can peace and justice start with you right here at Baldwin Wallace University?
Panelists:
Myesha Watkins, Executive Director, Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance
Dr. Craig Hovey, Executive Director, Ashland Center for Nonviolence, Ashland University
Otis Moss Jr., Civil Rights Leader and Friend of Rev. Dr. King
Sponsored by the Center for Inclusion, Academic Affairs and Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series.
Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
National Day of Racial Healing Faculty and Staff Jacket Circle
Friday, January 19, 2-4 p.m.
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
A Jacket Circle is an experiential process by which, through storytelling and deep listening, we can embrace our common humanity, learn to see ourselves in one another, and approach difficult issues and needed policy changes through the lens of empathy and compassion. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with their peers in a hands-on, transformational experience.
Sponsored by the Truth and Racial Health Transformation Center Team.
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students, faculty and staff. Registration required.
Social Change Summit
Saturday, January 20, 12-3 p.m.
Sponsored by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement and co-sponsored by Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University.
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students, faculty and staff. Registration required.