32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Learning
All are welcome to participate in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Learning at Capital University on Monday, January 16. The theme of the 2023 event is “A New Day for All of Us.” Join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Registered attendees are encouraged to attend the keynote, engage with fellow learners in workshops, and participate in service activities.
This event honors King's legacy and Capital University’s commitment to the community.
Information for Attendees
Schedule of Events
8:00 a.m. Community Gathering Harry C. Moores Student Union, Lobby
8:45 a.m. Musical Prelude Conservatory of Music, Mees Hall
8:50 a.m. Procession to Mees Hall Departing from Harry C. Moores Student Union, Lobby
9:00 a.m. Convocation - GAY S. STEELE KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Zellie Imani Educator and Community Organizer
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Workshops
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Kids Korner (All children must be accompanied by an adult)
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Hank Marr Jazz Luncheon
12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Schumacher Gallery Blackmore Library, Fourth Floor Exhibit – “Dignity Tribes in Transition” Photographs by Dana Gluckstein Exhibit – “. . . of Black Skin”
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Workshops
Questions? Reach out to us at odi@capital.edu!
Keynote Speaker
Zellie Imani
Zellie Imani is a community organizer and educator. Zellie has served in diverse K-8 settings as an English and Math teacher and curriculum developer. In February 2021, he was featured by the National Education Association (NEA) for his work as a teacher in Paterson, New Jersey.
Most recently, Zellie has been organizing against anti-Black state violence with Black Lives Matter Paterson. Founded in 2016, Black Lives Matter Paterson is a Black youth led organization dedicated to transforming the city of Paterson to ensure safety and justice for all Black people. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, the organization is winning immediate improvements in the lives of all Black communities.
He is also a co-founder of the Black Liberation Collective, a collective consisting of Black students who are dedicated to transforming institutions of higher education through unity, coalition building, direct action and political education that has initiated the #StudentBlackOut movement across campuses in the United States.
Following the keynote, please join our speaker Zellie Imani for a Q&A session moderated by Ralph Cochran. You can leave questions that you have for Zellie below!
Submit Questions for Zellie
Service
Water Crisis
To help combat the failing water systems in the southern states, Capital is collecting water (water bottles, filters, etc.) to donate to the NAACP in Jackson, Mississippi. The neglect of water systems has become not only an environmental issue, but a racial issue as well. Residents in the impacted areas continue to have limited or no access to clean drinking water. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
Voter Registration
Capital encourages all campus members to become life-long voters. Voter registration and update address forms will be available, along with information about voting with a disability, voting with a felony, and responsible voter resources.
Workshops
Immediately following the convocation and again after the Hank Marr Jazz Luncheon, we welcome your participation in a number of thematic workshops. Several of the workshops will deal with issues and concerns that are important to an array of individuals and may evoke passion as well as diverse perspectives. While dialogue and interaction are highly encouraged and expected, it is requested that both be offered in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Workshops
Kids Korner
Children aged 12 and under are invited to participate in fun activities run by members of various student organizations. All children in attendance must be accompanied by an adult.
Arts & Crafts Table
A creative outlet for children of all ages. We invite you to color to your heart's desire as we learn about the Importance Of MLK day of service and the Civil Rights Movement.
Reflection Table
Guided reflection on the themes of MLK Day and the Civil Rights Movement. Step back through time as we reflect on where we are now as American citizens, and where we are heading as a country. The prompts will help participants to think about how we live now as citizens and how that could be different had the Civil Rights Movement not happened.
Reading Table
In order for us to foster lifelong learners, we have created and curated an engaging reading experience for children of all ages. We have a huge variety of book-inspired fun!
Face Painting Table
Face painting is a great creative outlet for people of all ages. Join us for a fun way to explore the worlds of art and imagination!
Student Volunteers
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning Planning Committee is looking for student volunteers! The committee needs help running the planned day-of events. You could be helping with the service project, assisting workshop leaders, or even working with kids during Kids Corner! Sign up to volunteer and be part of this extraordinary day!
2023 Nelson W. Trout Lecture
“Word Up: Proclaiming and the Promise of God - Micah 5:7; Jeremiah 29:11-14, Nehemiah 1-2”
January 19-20, 2023
Featuring the Rev. Dr. Kevin Dudley
Trinity is delighted to announce that the 2023 Nelson W. Trout Lectures will feature Trinity’s own, The Rev. Kevin Dudley. Dr. Dudley professor of Church and Society at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University. These two days will be filled with inspired worship, focused learning, anointed preaching and Spirit led conversation. A more detailed schedule will be forthcoming. For more information, click here.