Plans are crystallizing for Emporia State University’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration.
Under normal circumstances, activities would take place on the official holiday Monday. However, with students not returning to campus until Jan. 25 as a COVID-19 adjustment, the slate of activities will also wait until the spring semester begins. On KVOE’s Talk of Emporia, ESU Director of Diversity Student Programs Teresa Taylor-Williams highlighted the upcoming virtual hall, “Leadership in the Midst of Chaos,” on Feb. 2 as a way to highlight King’s message of leadership and togetherness.
On Jan. 27, the Emporia State Alumni Association will have a special tribute message event. A virtual screening of the movie “Selma,” featuring a presentation from Academy Award-winning film director Kevin Wilmot, is set for Jan. 28. Virtual exhibits on Black Emporia teachers start Jan. 27 and continue through February through the ESU Special Collections and Archives Department.
Even with no official activities Monday, Taylor-Williams encouraged area residents to take some time to live King’s message, whether through service projects or other activities. ESU Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Aswad Allen is also asking students, staff and community members to take some time the next few weeks to pause and reflect on King’s message and legacy.
Other local plans for Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrations have not been announced.
