Hamline University will host a program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. in the Anderson Center Forum with remarks from staff, faculty, students and more.

We also recognize Jan. 16 as the 8th Annual National Day of Racial Healing, which was launched in 2017 as a call to action for racial healing for all people. It originated as part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s national Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts.

This year’s MLK program focuses on Dr. King’s powerful Nobel Lecture speech, “The Quest for Peace and Justice,” and will feature remarks from Acting/Interim President Dr. Kathleen Murray; along with reflections from Prof. Matt Sumera; Kate Johnston, director of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement; Chaplin Kelly Figueroa-Ray; and student Elmo Glass. There will also be a reading of Dr. King’s work by student Brandy Sanchez Dominguez, and the charge to the university community delivered by Kamaria Williams, president of the Black Student Collective.

The 2024 Beloved Community Awards will be presented during the commemoration. These awards recognize a student, staff, faculty, alumni and community member whose demonstrated leadership, service and commitment epitomizes the work that must be done by us all to enjoy meaningful lives, relationships and participation in The Beloved Community. Rounding out the program will be Twin Cities special guest musician Jovonta Patton.

This event is sponsored by the Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs.