A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson will give the MLK Keynote Address at UMW on Jan. 22, 2025.
When Derrick Johnson takes the stage at the University of Mary Washington next week, his words are expected to resonate far beyond the event’s walls – inspiring those who hear him to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.
President and CEO of the NAACP since 2017, Johnson has spent decades advocating for fairness, equality and the underserved. When he delivers his address Wednesday, Jan. 22, and connects with the UMW community, Johnson said, he’ll delve into the importance of serving one’s neighbor, contributing to the community, and building and protecting America’s democracy.
The event, co-sponsored by Mary Washington’s NAACP College Chapter and Germanna Community College, takes place at 7 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. It’s free and open to the public and serves as the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration honoring King’s life and work.
“We all have a mutual obligation to support our neighbor and recognize that our collective uniqueness is our strength,” said Johnson. “Our uniqueness is our genius, and we should celebrate that genius.” Read more.
The James Farmer Multicultural Center is co-sponsoring an event with the Center for Community Engagement and Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity, for UMW students, faculty and staff, as well as area high school students and the greater Fredericksburg community.
The event, titled “Enter Your Voting Era: The Importance of Civic Engagement,” will take place on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m., in Chandler Ballroom C inside the Cedric Rucker University Center.
Jessica Atkinson, Director of Elections, City of Fredericksburg; Derrick Lewis, National Field Organizer, NAACP; UMW Political Science Professor Jared McDonald; and Kate McDaid ’23, Field Organizer, NextGen, will speak to the audience about why it’s important for people to become politically and civically engaged, the structure of the General Assembly and how it functions for citizens of Virginia, how local and statewide elections can impact their everyday lives through public policy, the power of being an informed citizen by casting their vote each election cycle, and staying involved with the civic engagement process.
For more information, or with questions regarding disability-related accommodations, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044 or jfmc@mail.umw.edu.
Upcoming Cultural Events Presented by the James Farmer Multicultural Center:
The History of Afrofuturism in Music | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5 PM | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University CenterThis interactive presentation will be led by Ronald Turner II, known as DJ R-Tistic and Assistant Director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center, Chris Williams. They will take the audience on an oral, visual, and sonic tour on the history of Afrofuturism in classic R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop records.
Black Cultural Karaoke | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7 PM | The Underground, Lee HallSponsored by For the CultureJoin For the Culture for a fun-filled karaoke program for all UMW community members, honoring Black History Month with a very special playlist from the R&B and soul genres! There will be snacks and drinks provided.
Step Show [CANCELED] | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7 PM | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington HallJoin area step teams from high schools, regional colleges and universities as they engage in a high-energy, entertaining competition. For information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center.
Black Men and Masculinity: An Honest Conversation | Monday, Feb. 20 | 7 PM | Colonnade Room, Cedric Rucker University CenterSponsored by Brothers of a New Direction and NAACP at UMWJoin BOND and NAACP at UMW for an honest talk unpacking our masculinity as Black men, the good and the bad, focusing also on solutions to deep-rooted problems.
Caribbean/Mardi Gras Dinner | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 5 PM |Dining at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University CenterCost with Campus Meal Plan is one meal swipe or $13 Flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card purchase is $15.
La diáspora africana en Latinoamérica: Poetas Afrolatinos Lectura de poesía (Poetry Reading) | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 4 – 4:30 PM | Combs Hall, Room 139You are invited to join us for this poetry experience!
MLK Virtual Project | Wednesday, Feb. 22 – Thursday, Feb. 23 | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
The vMLK Project out of North Carolina State University focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “A Creative Protest” speech, commonly referred to as the “Fill up the Jails” speech, for which no recording exists. The vMLK Project brings together recreations and various technologies to allow viewers and visitors to experience the speech. Dr. Max Renner, Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities & New Media at Molloy College and Dr. Candice Edrington, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of South Carolina will provide a formal presentation on Wednesday, February 22 at 6 pm in the Digital Auditorium.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.
Passover Seder
Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m., Chandler Ballroom C, University Center
Co-sponsored by the Jewish Student Association
Passover is the Jewish celebratory feast that honors the emancipation of Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Traditionally, Jewish families gather on the first few nights of Passover for dinner and the Seder ritual, in which a family or community retells the story of the liberation.
Social Justice Teach-In: International Access to Education | Monday, March 21 | 6 PM | Chandler Ballroom C, University Center
We’ll discuss women’s education globally and advocacy for equitable access to education worldwide.
Undergraduate Research Forum on Women’s and Gender Studies | Wednesday, March 23 | 4 – 6 PM | Lee Hall, Room 411
Join UMW students as they showcase their undergraduate research in women’s and gender studies. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Women’s Empowerment Through the Arts | Wednesday, March 23 | 7 PM | Chandler Ballroom C, University Center
Sponsored by Women of Color
Dance, spoken word, song, and other artistic ventures are all ways in which women throughout history have expressed their voices and advocated for social change. Also, Dr. Shavonne Shorter, Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Office will share her perspectives on this topic. Join Women of Color, student performing groups and artists as we explore empowerment through art.
Healing Through the Preservation of Our Histories and Our Selves: Public Reception | Thursday, March 24 | 5-7 PM | Ridderhof Martin and duPont Galleries
Join UMW Galleries for the closing reception of Healing Through the Preservation of Our Histories and Our Selves.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.
The story of the Black experience in the United States has fluctuated between a series of struggles and triumphs. Since arriving to this continent on slave ships, people of African descent have endured hardships and tragedies from slavery to the current mass incarceration epidemic. Despite the many generational systemic injustices, African Americans have provided groundbreaking achievements in the arts, sciences, politics, and entertainment, to name a few, to transform the global community. Join the James Farmer Multicultural Center’s celebration and recognition of these historic, triumphant moments. A full list of events can be found here.
Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, a pastor and justice reform organizer with Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, will deliver the keynote address for UMW’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Wednesday.
Last March, Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook stood by Gov. Ralph Northam’s side as he announced that Virginia would become the first southern state to abolish the death penalty.
“Today, we turn the page in the history books,” said Cook, a Baptist minister and civil rights advocate, noting that the commonwealth once allowed the second highest number of modern-day executions in the country. This was the start of a new chapter, she said, focusing on “transforming the justice system into one that is rooted in fairness, accountability and redemption.”
Cook will share that story – how her work to end capital punishment began and where it’s going next – when she delivers the keynote address for the University of Mary Washington’s weeklong Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Sponsored by the Office of the President, her speech will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Participants may also register to attend virtually.
“We are honored that the UMW community will have the opportunity to hear from this amazing leader,” said Marion Sanford, director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), which is hosting the celebration honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy. “Dr. Cook will undoubtedly educate, motivate and empower our students and others on social justice issues and how they too can affect positive change.” Read more.
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
Author and disability rights activist Kenny Fries delivered the keynote address for JFMC’s Disability Awareness Month and Gender & Sexual Minorities & Allies cultural celebration at UMW. Photo credit: Michael R. Dekker.
Acclaimed writer Kenny Fries had a message to impart last week when he spoke to University of Mary Washington students: “Disability is just a different way of moving through the world.”
Fries, an author and activist whose work focuses on his experiences of being disabled and gay, came to UMW to deliver the keynote address for James Farmer Multicultural Center’s duo of commemorations: Disability Awareness Month and Gender & Sexual Minorities & Allies cultural celebration. The event was held in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom and livestreamed via Zoom.
A prolific writer, Fries earned a master’s degree in playwriting from Columbia University. He has published the award-winning In the Province of the Gods, The History of My Shoes and The Evolution of Darwin’s Theory and Body, Remember: A Memoir as well as several books of poetry, and he edited the literary anthology Staring Back: The Disability Experience from the Inside Out. Fries is also the recipient of numerous awards, grants and fellowships and is a two-time Fulbright Scholar. Read more.