Ohio University will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2018 on the Athens Campus. The annual celebration is coordinated by the University's MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and is sponsored by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.

"I challenge everyone to attend at least one Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event this year," said MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee Chair Tyrone Carr. "2018 is the 50-year anniversary of Dr. King's assasination, so we want to make sure that all of this week's events are well attended in honor of his great works and sacrifice."

These are the committee-sponsored events:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Contest

The poster contest is open to all Ohio University and local high school and middle school students. Participants must create an original poster that incorporates the ideas of justice, protests, respect, freedom or equality. They should also contain a combination of text and imagery. They are due at the Multicultural Center in Baker University Center by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Cash prizes will be given to the three winners. For more information contact Dr. Bayyinah Jeffries at 740-593-4546 or jeffrieb@ohio.edu .

Athens County School Supply Drive, Jan. 15-31

The Ohio University Athens Campus will host a school supply drive that will benefit a local school. Items will be collected from the various drop off boxes on campus.

Monday, Jan. 15 (National MLK Jr. Day)

Silent March ● Galbreath Chapel ● 10:30 a.m.

The Silent March will begin in front of Galbreath Chapel and end at the fourth-floor entrance of Baker University Center. Marchers are encouraged to bring a civil rights sign. This event is open to the public.

MLK Jr. Celebratory Brunch ● Baker University Center Ballroom ● 11 a.m.

The annual brunch will include a keynote speech titled, "Obituary Worthy": A Tribute to a Border Crossing Brotha," by University of Missouri Associate Professor of Education Ty-Ron Douglas.

"April 4, 2018, marks the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Certainly, Dr. King lived an inspiring life, and reflections on one’s life are important. Yet, considerations of one’s death—and the reasons for which one is willing to die—are equally powerful in better understanding how to live," said Dr. Douglas.

My talk will challenge the audience to consider the weight, responsibility, and promise of facing our fears, embracing our stories, mobilizing our dreams, and living with hope and purpose in complex times. Ultimately, attendees will be inspired by King’s legacy to live an obituary worthy life!

To see the trailer for his book, "Border Crossing Brothas," visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oLZBel6vxs

To register for childcare during the March and Brunch, which is provided by OHIO early childhood education majors from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1Qqfmil6iNG7SgATccXcX7DDJkCbgKBG72fNNFAfF2BbnDA/viewform?c=0&w=1. The March and Brunch are sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Day of Service ● Athens Campus and surrounding area

The MLK Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity for campus and community participants to volunteer in a service project at the Presbyterian Farms trail building, which is located near Nelsonville, Ohio. The service project will take place between 2 and 5p.m. There is room for 20 volunteers, which includes 11 people who can catch a ride in a University van to the site. To register for the Day of Service, visit https://orgsync.com/116697/events/2216859/occurrences/5292273. For more information, contact Community Engagement Programs at harrisob@ohio.edu or 740-593-4007.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Faith Acts ● Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room ● 7-9 p.m.

This event will focus on how individuals and faith communities can work together across their religious differences. The keynote speakers are OHIO graduate student Je’ Hooper and friends. They will present, “Nationhood: A Communal Affirmation of Our Truth.” This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

Multicultural Leadership Ambassador Presentation ● Baker University Center Theatre ● 5-6 p.m.

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion's Multicultural Leadership Ambassadors will present their research and opinions on a popular diversity topic. The event is free and open to the public.

Creative Arts as Activism – Social Justice-Themed Open Stage, Casa Nueva ● 6-8 p.m.

This talent showcase will allow poets, musicians, dancers and other artists to perform social justice-themed work. Anyone interested in performing at this free and open to the public event should contact event coordinator George E. Mauzy Jr. at 740-597-1794 or mauzy@ohio.edu .

Thursday, Jan. 18

Screening of docufilm "Cuban Roots/Bronx Stories" and Panel Discussion ● Baker Center Theatre ● 5-7 p.m.

This is a screening of the docufilm, "Cuban Roots/Bronx Stories," which highlights the historical journey of an Afro-Cuban family, from Jamaica, to Cuba, to the Bronx. It reveals that the Cuban-American experience is more diverse, racially and ideologically, than we are often led to believe. The showing will be followed by a panel discussion. Admission is free. 

Friday, Jan. 19

Teach In – Extending King’s Vision to Action in the Age of 45 " ● Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room ● 1-2 p.m.

A panel of students, faculty, staff and alumni will discuss MLK’s vision. Audience members will be able to participate in the discussion. The event is co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences' Love & Hate Theme.

To print out a flier of this year's events, click here .