Commemorating MLK Day, the ADP Way

By Jen Domagal-Goldman, National Manager, American Democracy Project

I spent part of my day “off” cleaning up my neighborhood and talking with my neighbors. I also took time to reflect on King’s important messages about the importance of participation in our democracy and helping to forge it into the kind of society we believe it has the capacity to be — a more just, equitable, educated, and engaging public realm.

How did your campus commemorate yesterday’s federal holiday honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Below are a few links to the reflections and actions of other people and organizations about MLK day. I’d love to hear from you!

• A SUNY Brockport class studying Protest performed service-learning in Memphis, TN over their holiday break. They visited Mason Temple (MLK:  “I have seen the Promised Land” and the National Civil Rights Museum. They also cleared brush and documented graves in an abandoned cemetery founded by former slaves on Friday and listened to a talk by Noam Chomsky. You can read students’ reflections on the course and their time in Memphis on their blog.

• University of Nebraska-Kearney recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events and guest speakers.
  The Ethnic Studies Program and the American Democracy Project sponsored three special events for
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Haroon Kharem and Dr. Noel Anderson, both of Brooklyn College of the
  CUNY system were special invited guests for the occasions. The events were held Monday evening with
  a vigil at the amphitheater. On Tuesday evening Dr. Kharem and Dr. Anderson engaged in a discussion of “Education as Freedom,” along with a panel of participants including Dr. Potthoff, Dr. Louishomme, Rashon Harvey, Barbara Johnson and guests.

• UA Fort Smith American Democracy Project will host “A Celebration of Unsung Heroes” tomorrow.

• Northeastern State University students participated in volunteer work at local K-12 schools. Read the story here.

• National League of Women Voters:  Martin Luther King: A Crusader for Voting Rights

• Harry Boyte: Democracy Colleges as Schools for Citizenship (a reflection on the March on Washington)