SFU Honors the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Saint Francis University honored the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with in-person and virtual discussions, group activities and educational displays.

The MLK Day Celebration was a day of education and reflection on Dr. Kings’ philosophy of nonviolent social change and conflict-reconciliation.

This year’s Martin Luther King Day coincided with SFU’s Convocation, and  featured keynote speaker, Mr. Bill Strickland, founder, and Chairman of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Mr. Strickland is the author of “Make the Impossible Possible”, which speaks of his personal crusade to inspire others to dream bigger and achieve extraordinary endeavors.

During the virtual Convocation, University President Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, PhD, announced a “Shields School of Business Dare to Dream Award''. This $500 award will be given to  a Black student pursuing a degree in the Shields School of Business.

Additionally, during the month of January and February, the Library will be hosting displays of resources for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month. The display features letters, books and children’s stories created by black authors and illustrators.

 Other events included:

• The SFU Science Center halls were filled with posters of influential Black scientists documenting their contributions to science
• Discussions on peaceful community activism
• The Relationship between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X
• Conscious and unconscious stereotypes featuring Kei-shon Graham ,the President of SFU Black Student Union
• Protest Music of the Civil Rights movement
• Conversations for Change: Featuring African American Community organizer Dr. Gabriel Washington
• Origins of SFU Coach Eric Taylor’s Hike for Humanity
• A Mass in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• MLK Dare to Dream Alumni Panel focusing on the pillars of healing, community, empowerment, dignity, and faith
• Religious and Racial Diversity in Hospital Ministry discussion
• A virtual Civil Rights march
• Discussing MLK’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail
• Creating the “Beloved Community” at SFU seminar
• Poster display of Black Educators