Every January, our nation dedicates time to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His prophetic words on racial injustice, voting rights, economic justice, housing discrimination and public safety are still relevant more than 60 years later. One of Dr. King’s greatest desires for this nation and world was the achievement of a “Beloved Community” that embraces full inclusivity, equality, justice and love for all. In this community, everyone is able to enjoy the richness of the land and society, and human dignity and quality of life are paramount. We understand our work of forming the beloved community is far from attainment, but must stay steadfastly committed to positive social change, freedom and justice for all to achieve this reality. Join the James Farmer Multicultural Center as we celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Wednesday, January 19 | 7 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom, University Center
Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor concentration in Religious Studies and a Master’s of Divinity. She also earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a Doctorate of Ministry degree as a Gardner C. Taylor fellow at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Cook was licensed into the gospel ministry at the Antioch Baptist Church; has served as the Youth Minister at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia; as Minister of Children, Youth and Young Adults at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona; is the founding pastor of the Imani Community Church of Tempe, Arizona; and has served in various capacities for the multi-site campuses of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. Dr. Cook has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits, education and the African American church. As a pastor and preacher, she uses her platform to educate and empower people on social justice and racial inequities, and she is passionate about justice reform. She served as a program administrator for the Kyrene School District in Tempe, Arizona, where she coordinated, implemented and ensured the quality of intervention and prevention programs and activities outlined in the eight-million dollar Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant. She also served as the Criminal Justice Reform Organizer for VICPP and led a successful campaign that abolished the death penalty in Virginia. She is currently working as an Equity Transformation Specialist for Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
Speaking Truth to Power
Thursday, January 20 | 6 p.m. | Lee Hall Underground
If you are interested in sharing your talent, please visit bit.ly/UMWSpeakTruth or email JoAnna Raucci (jraucci@umw.edu)
There is power in artistic expression. This event will feature art, music, dance and performances from members of the UMW campus community, who have created pieces or are sharing the works of others in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and those who have led the fight for human rights and social justice. Join us in this expression of our struggles, our triumphs and our power!
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Presented with UMW’s Center for Community Engagement
Saturday, January 22 |1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom, UC
Register here: bit.ly/MLKDayUMW
Join your fellow students to celebrate our national Day of Service on the UMW campus. The MLK Day of Service is a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the “fierce urgency of now.” Observed each year as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Sign up to participate in the Day of Service at bit.ly/MLKDayUMW