Colorado College is continuing its tradition of honoring of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of community-oriented events, although this year all happenings will be virtual in order to keep the community safe and in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. Participants must register in advance (additional information below).
The theme for the 2021 commemoration is “Community Out of Chaos: Change Now!” This year’s keynote speaker is Cornell Brooks, a civil rights attorney, ordained minister, and past president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Events begin at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 18, with a virtual opening convocation. Participants will be welcomed by community, campus, and spiritual leaders, performances from local artists, and reflections on this year’s theme. All are encouraged to consider ways in which to creatively strengthen community commitment and actions, working toward justice in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest, and continued psychological and physical violence against people with marginalized social identities.
Concurrent breakout sessions will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. to allow participants to engage in discussions, learn about current topics, and view the local artists’ performances.
Brooks, currently professor of the practice of public leadership and social justice at the Harvard Kennedy School, will deliver the keynote address at 10:30 a.m. Brooks also is director of The William Monroe Trotter Collaborative for Social Justice at the School’s Center for Public Leadership, and visiting professor of the Practice of Prophetic Religion and Public Leadership at Harvard Divinity School.
“Food for Thought” dialogue groups will meet from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed by closing musical performances from noon to 12:30 p.m. The day closes with a 7 p.m. virtual performance by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
Mark your calendar and register for the virtual event. The final schedule, including Zoom access links, will be sent to those registered the day before the event. Note that a ticket provides access to all the day’s events; additionally several portions will be recorded for viewing at a later date. Registrants are welcome to participate in any or all of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day program once registered. Although free, the MLK Day community events are a fundraiser on behalf of the NAACP and Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission; suggested donation is $5.
Sponsors and community partners include the NAACP, Pikes Peak Justice & Peace, Colorado College, City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, Pikes Peak Diversity Council, Pikes Peak Community College, Food for Thought, Mountain Springs Sangha, USAA, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Be Real Ministries, Soka Gakkai International-USA, Cornerstone Movement, MLK Youth Success, El Cinco De Mayo, Golden Lotus, the Latino Community Luncheon, and Showing Up for Racial Justice.