Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning
Opening Keynote Livestream
Capital University will present its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning on Monday, Jan. 15. The theme of the 2024 event is “Courage in Community.” Join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A day filled with inspiration, reflection, and community involvement awaits as we pay tribute to the impactful teachings of Dr. King. Those who have registered are encouraged to join the keynote address, actively engage in workshops, and take advantage of service opportunities. Additionally, Kids Korner will offer activities catering to children of various ages!
Keynote Speakers
Tobias Spears, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer
Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago
Frederick Charles Staidum Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of English
Affiliate, Institute for Racial Justice
Loyola University Chicago
Service
As part of our MLK Day of Learning service initiative, we are excited to engage in two hands-on projects that reflect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to community and compassion. This year, we will create cozy fleece hats for Ohio Avenue Elementary students, offering warmth and care during the winter months. Simultaneously, we are extending our impact by assembling baskets of essential cleaning supplies for Star House residents. Join us on this meaningful day as we come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through these hands-on service projects, fostering unity, and making a positive impact on both Ohio Avenue Elementary students and Star House residents.
Participate in Service Projects
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Convergent Media Center 121
2 – 3:30 p.m., Convergent Media Center 121
Ohio Avenue Elementary School, part of Columbus City Schools, serves kindergarten through fifth grade, including a special needs preschool and two Head Start classrooms. The dedicated staff strives to create a home with the feel of a big, extended family. Given that all students are on the free breakfast and lunch program due to poverty and often come from broken families facing numerous barriers, meeting their basic needs is a significant struggle. We are passionately committed to doing whatever we can for the students and families in our charge.
Ohio Avenue Elementary is grateful to community partners who help with “Weekend Food Boxes,’” dentists who come to school for check-ups, volunteer reading tutors every week, and even barbers and beauticians who provide haircuts.
Star House is a social service agency operating Central Ohio’s only drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness. At the center, youth have immediate access to food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, showers, and a safe place, along with services such as therapy, case management, housing, transportation, health care, employment, education, addiction services, legal aid, government benefits, and ID cards. Additionally, Star House is the nation’s only drop-in center hosting continuous best-practice research.
Star House, in collaboration with the Finance Fund and Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, jointly owns and operates Carol Stewart Village (CSV), an affordable neighborhood for young adults (18-24) coming out of homelessness, featuring on-site programs and services. CSV is the only housing village of its kind in Central Ohio for college-age youth exiting homelessness.
Workshops
Join us in sharing knowledge and contributing to a vibrant learning environment through 90-minute workshops designed around the theme "Courage in Community."
Virtual Workshop
Courage in Community: Community Leaders Speak
Sandra H. Quick
Pastor Julianne Smeck
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Building upon the 2022 MLK Day of Learning, two seasoned community leaders will delve into courage, sharing insights on modeling and imparting antiracism skills. They will highlight efforts in building change capacity and fostering inclusive networks, uniting diverse communities for a more just society. Engaging in audience dialogue, participants can discover additional community justice networks and explore collaborative opportunities in pursuit of shared goals. Join us to glean valuable experiences, foster connections, and contribute to the collective journey toward justice and equity.
Student Volunteers
Capital’s 33rd annual MLK Day of Learning has been designed to be both educational and enlightening. Student volunteers have the chance to engage in workshops, discussions, and activities that broaden their understanding of social justice issues, inspiring a commitment to value and respect individuals from all backgrounds. Volunteering on this day allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself and contribute to the ongoing work of making the world a more just and equitable place.