Save the date for 2020 MLK Jr. Celebration Week events

Ohio University will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2020 on the Athens Campus. The annual celebration is coordinated by the University's MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and is sponsored by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

These are the committee-sponsored events:

Monday, Jan. 20 (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 to hold during the walk. This event is free and open to the public.

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

The annual brunch will include a keynote speech and dance, spoken word and singing performances. Ticket prices are: Students $15; non-students $25; student table (eight seats) $120; non-student table (eight seats) $190. Tickets can be purchased at the Multicultural Center, Baker University Center 205, 740-597-2110.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Faith Acts ● Galbreath Memorial Chapel ● 7 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Rabbi Sandra Lawson, associate chaplain for Jewish life at Elon University in North Carolina. She is the first openly gay, black female rabbi in the world. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Career and Leadership Development Center Black Excellence Panel ● Amanda J. Cunningham Center, Baker University Center 366 ● Panel Discussion – 6 p.m./Networking Hour – 7 p.m.

The Career and Leadership Development Center will host a panel discussion featuring faculty, staff and students as well as local business owners. During the panel discussion, the panelists will discuss how they became successful and take questions from the audience. During the networking portion of the event, students will be able to mingle with the alumni, business owners and faculty in attendance. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Charity Basketball Game ● Ping Recreation Center Area D ● 6-8 p.m.

The basketball game will feature players from the Athens campus and community. Admission is a donated non-perishable or personal care item. 

Friday, Jan. 24

MLK Jr. Celebration Arts Cypher ● Baker University Center Theatre ● 6-8 p.m.

This talent showcase will feature local poets and spoken word artists performing 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. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Day of Service ● Athens Campus and surrounding area ● 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The MLK Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity for campus and community participants to volunteer in a local service project. For more information, contact Community Engagement Programs at harrisob@ohio.edu or 740-593-4007.

Athens County School Supply Drive, Through Jan. 31

The 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. More details will be supplied later.