Valparaiso University Commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Historic “I Have A Dream” Speech
Valparaiso University celebrated the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. with a weeklong celebration in January.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Valpo honored “The Beloved Community” through speakers, presenters, and activities that promoted the respect and value of racial diversity on campus, as well as within the broader community, through dialogue and discourse, art and music, and food and faith.
Highlights included:
- Student artistic works representing more than 50 Northwest Indiana schools were displayed in the Harre Union.
- Community conversations focused on King’s “Letters from Birmingham Jail” throughout Porter County.
- The documentary “Half the Sky” based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning co-authors Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas D. Kristof was screened.
- A Martin Luther King Jr. Day Convocation Service was celebrated at the Chapel of the Resurrection. Readers and musicians from the community participated in the service, which was capped by a keynote speech by the Rev. John Nunes, Jochum Chair and Professor at Valpo. The service featured the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award to Professor Stacy Hoult-Saros, for her work to further King’s vision of multicultural accord and celebration.
- More than 30 focus sessions highlighting “The Beloved Community” throughout campus.
- A closing program featuring a presentation by Chicago-based theater company Silk Road Rising.
