(Posted January 10, 2023)

HUNTINGDON, Pa.— Juniata College will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service with activities in conjunction with the beginning of the spring 2023 semester.

Taking place annually on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (MLK Day) is a federal holiday designated by Congress as a national day of service — “a day on, not a day off,” honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Too often, we talk about our need to adapt to change; this convocation reminds us that we, more importantly, need to change and adapt,” said Grace Fala, Interim Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

To begin the week, Juniata students, faculty, and staff will spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, assisting local organizations in the Mount Union and Huntingdon areas with a variety of community service projects, including baking for Cookies for Caregivers, painting at the Huntingdon Community Center, and volunteering at the Mount Union Library, Huntingdon County Humane Society, and other locations in Huntingdon and Mount Union.

Dr. Cy deVries will present, “On the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before: The Power of Reflection and Regeneration,” at Juniata College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Alumni Hall, Brumbaugh Academic Center. The address will open with a prelude performed by The Keynotes with musical director, Tate Pollock, a Gospel group based in Mount Union, Pa.

Dr. deVries’ address explores how, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances are foundational in propelling justice-minded citizens to action. Interweaving an exploration of justice actions inspired by Dr. King, the convocation address will provide tangible illustrations of how society can strive to achieve Dr. King’s “Beloved Community.” The “Beloved Community” of positive peace is not a quixotic aspiration celebrated with the bestowal of a certificate. Instead, achieving this aspect of Dr. King’s dream requires obstinate and intransigent commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion on the part of both individuals and institutions.”

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the convocation event.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.