Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a towering figure in the history of social justice, civil rights, and advocacy for equality. Central to his legacy is his unwavering belief in the power of service as a means to create lasting change. Dr. King杏吧原版檚 philosophy of service was rooted in the principles of love, compassion, and uplifting the community, which he believed could dismantle systemic injustice and bring people together to forge a better world. His life杏吧原版檚 work exemplifies how service, when driven by a moral commitment to others, can become a transformative force that transcends generations.
For Dr. King, service was not merely an act of charity but a moral obligation. In his famous sermon 杏吧原版淭he Drum Major Instinct,杏吧原版 he stated, 杏吧原版淓verybody can be great, because everybody can serve.杏吧原版 These words capture the essence of his belief that greatness lies not in power, wealth, or status, but in the selfless acts we perform to lift others. He encouraged people to take action, no matter how small, in their communities and beyond, because he understood that collective service could create a ripple effect of change. Whether it was organizing marches, leading voter registration drives, or fighting for economic justice, Dr. King杏吧原版檚 work was grounded in a servant-leadership model that inspired millions to act for the greater good.
The Civil Rights Movement itself was a testament to the power of service. Dr. King杏吧原版檚 leadership galvanized countless individuals杏吧原版攂oth Black and white杏吧原版攖o participate in sit-ins, boycotts, and peaceful protests, often at great personal risk. These acts of service, rooted in nonviolence and love, demonstrated how ordinary citizens could rise up and challenge entrenched systems of oppression. These collective efforts were central to achieving legislative victories such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and helped to reshape the moral conscience of a nation.
Dr. King杏吧原版檚 commitment to service extended beyond racial justice to economic equality and global peace. In his final years, he launched the Poor People杏吧原版檚 Campaign, advocating for better wages, housing, and access to education for the impoverished. He recognized that service must address the structural inequalities that perpetuate poverty and disenfranchisement. Dr. King杏吧原版檚 work reminds us that service is not just about alleviating immediate suffering but about dismantling the root causes of injustice.
The theme of the 杏吧原版淧ower of Service杏吧原版 is particularly relevant today as communities continue to grapple with inequality, racism, and divisiveness. Dr. King杏吧原版檚 legacy teaches us that service has the power to unite and heal, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It is through serving others that we create stronger, more compassionate communities that exemplify the humanity we all share. As we celebrate Dr. King杏吧原版檚 life, we are reminded that his call to service is not confined to a single day or moment杏吧原版攊t is a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Monday, January 27, 12 p.m. |
Our celebration will feature a keynote speech by Toni Harp 杏吧原版13 Hon, the chair of Impact CT and a former Mayor of New Haven. Awards will be presented to members of the Charger Community who demonstrate a commitment to the ideals and values of Dr. King. The event is free and open to the public.
Click here to view the program.
To learn more, email VPofIED@newhaven.edu
Monday, January 27, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Following the MLK celebration, members of the Charger community are invited to take part in on-campus volunteer opportunities to support the greater New Haven community.
To learn more, email CSELO@newhaven.edu.
2024 Vision Award Winners
2024 Phillip & Susan Bartels Award for Leadership and Service
Michael Rossi, Ph.D., associate nean for faculty and curriculum for the College of Arts and Sciences
2024 MLK Student Scholarship Recipient
Marcus T. Harvin 杏吧原版23 A.S., 杏吧原版25
2023 Vision Award Winners
2023 Phillip & Susan Bartels Award for Leadership and Service
Linda Copney-Okeke 杏吧原版91, 杏吧原版94, 杏吧原版02 M.A., Director, Accessibility Resources Center
MLK Student Scholarship Recipient
Kaelin Barrionuevo 杏吧原版26
T-Shirt Contest Winner
Eyosias Teka '24
2022 Vision Award Winners
Philip & Susan Bartels Awards for Leadership and Service
Sofia Martinez 杏吧原版22
MLK Student Scholarships
Anta Fall 杏吧原版23
Katiushka Ruiz 杏吧原版24
T-Shirt Contest
Kiana White 杏吧原版23
As part of the University杏吧原版檚 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, several Chargers were recognized for embodying the ideals of Dr. King and for their dedication to the University and local communities. The program also included a critical conversation about the importance of empowering democracy and embodying Dr. King杏吧原版檚 vision.
As part of its weeklong Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the University recognized several Chargers who embody Dr. King杏吧原版檚 ideals and who are committed to making a difference in the University and local communities.
As part of the University杏吧原版檚 MLK Celebration, several members of the University community who embody Dr. King杏吧原版檚 ideals were honored for their dedication to making a difference in the University community and beyond.
As part of the culminating event of the University杏吧原版檚 MLK Celebration, Dr. Yohuru Williams spoke to members of the University community, encouraging them to live by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.杏吧原版檚 words, urging them to connect his vision with the University杏吧原版檚 mission.
I am grateful for the opportunities my classmates and I had to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.杏吧原版檚 legacy as part of the University杏吧原版檚 weeklong MLK Celebration. I am proud to honor his vision and the power it has to continue to change the world for the better.