This year, on Monday, January 16th, we honor the 40th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday becoming federal law. Dr. King was a renowned civil rights leader and activist who believed deeply in equity and justice and lived out his commitment to that in his words and actions. In his wisdom and conviction, he understood that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
As we celebrate Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights, equity and justice, it is an important time to think about what this holiday means to you and how to continue his legacy by fighting for human rights, voting rights and overcoming oppression of Black people and other historically marginalized groups.
Did you know that Dr. King spoke at the UW in 1961?
When he came to campus to speak at the old Meany Hall, Dr. King was greeted by 2,000 students. According to UW magazine, his lecture was entitled “Segregation and the Civil Liberties: Implications for Students.” In that talk, Dr. King declared, “The student movements have done more to save the soul of the nation than anything I can think of.” These words, his work, and his legacy still inspire us today; it is up to us to initiate the change we want to see.
During the week of January 16th, the University of Washington will celebrate Dr. King with a variety of community events. Please visit the Whole U for more information and find ways to get involved.
There are an array of events being offered around town in celebration of Dr. King, including the reopening of the Northwest African American Museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with food trucks, music, and a variety of exhibits in the newly redesigned space.
In solidarity,
CBE Diversity Council
College of Built Environments