Brandeis Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 13, 2025
Dear Brandeis Community,
We are honored to announce our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. According to Britannica, “Beginning in 1970, a number of states and cities made his birthday, January 15, a holiday. Although legislation for a federal holiday was introduced in Congress as early as 1968, there was sufficient opposition, on racial and political grounds, to block its passage. In 1983, legislation making the third Monday in January a federal holiday finally was passed, and the first nationwide observance occurred in 1986. The day is usually celebrated with marches and parades and with speeches by civil rights and political leaders.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. began his journey for justice in his community. With the support of his wife, Coretta Scott King, he embarked on a journey of care about the plight of people all over the world. He, and many others inspired by him, fought for civil rights for Black people and other marginalized communities. Though he was taken from the world too soon in a violent act, his legacy embodies community, and his words and dreams are alive with us today. We can apply them and determine how they resonate with our lives.
Our theme this year is “empowerment.” We will be hosting a program on Friday, Jan. 17 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Skyline Commons. We will open with an overview of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s time at Brandeis which will be followed by a keynote speaker - Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley. We are also excited to have an alumni speaker, Desiree Murphy ’10, ESQ, to share their thoughts on the importance of MLK Day. Please join us after the event for light refreshments.
In addition, our university archives and additional resources offer insight into Brandeis University’s special connection with Dr. King, so please explore the following:
- When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Brandeis: "Justice Without Violence" lecture – April 3, 1957
- Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visits to Brandeis
Dr. King made three visits to Brandeis in 1956, 1957, and 1963 which are documented in the Lynn Goldsmith Papers: "The Diary and Papers of a Young Civil Rights Worker" – Brandeis Library's Robert D. Farber University Archives and Special Collections.
We are also proud of our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship Program which highlights scholarship and community service.
In Community,
Taisha White
Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Leadership, Student Engagement, Student Affairs
Karl LaClair
Chaplain & Coordinator of Christian Life, Center for Spiritual Life, Student Affairs
Lee Bitsóí
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging