University to honor MLK with weeklong celebration

At the height of the civil rights movement, hate crimes, boycotts and police riots filled the front page of newspapers. While there were many notable individuals who played part in progressing the movement, it was Martin Luther King, Jr. whose voice rang the loudest in favor of equality and freedom.

This January, Arizona State University will pay tribute to King with a series of events Jan. 18-23.

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee and Changemaker Central will host the annual Day of Service on Jan. 18. Those interested in serving their community may register now. Transportation will be provided at no cost to the service locations.

On Jan. 22, the March on West will pay homage to the historical “I Have a Dream” speech that King delivered at the March on Washington in 1963. Interactive educational presentations will help students understand the significance of King's impact on our nation's history and in our lives. This event will take place at 11 a.m. at the Paley Gates on the West campus.

A special breakfast celebration honoring community members, student leaders and local schoolchildren will occur on the Downtown Phoenix campus from 7-9 a.m., Jan. 23. ASU President Michael Crow will be in attendance. This event is by invitation only. To request an invite, please call 480-965-5566.

The MLK Student Rally and Organization Fair is open to the public and begins at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 23 on the Tempe campus. Festivities include presentations, performances, a special speech from MLK Student Leadership Awardee Gabriel Cesar and much more.  

In addition, the university will be closed on Jan. 20 in observance of the MLK Holiday. For more information, visit the MLK Celebration Committee’s website.