Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”. This quote is a reminder that setbacks are temporary, and that hope can drive us forward."

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Speech in Washington, D.C., 1968).

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion held our 3^rd annual commemorative celebration in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the amphitheater in the Wojcik Conference Center from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. with approximately 150 attendees. Highlights included the inaugural Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Award, which was presented to MIchelle Mabry, Warehouse driver with Operations Services. Northwestern professor, Dr. Mary Patillo, Sociology Department, served as our keynote speaker and reminded us celebrate and acknowledge Black success without comparing communities to one another. Lastly, we enjoyed performances by Triple H (Hip Hop at Harper) club and LEAD Faculty Fellow Kirby Ellis' jazz ensemble. A soul food lunch followed the celebration. Our sincere thanks to all those that attended, volunteered and participated in the formal program.

Click here to view the 2024 commemorative celebration video which featured a keynote address from Harper College's Shante Holley, English Professor who reminded us to keep our why at the center of our advocacy and work!

Click here to view the 2023 commemorative celebration video which featured keynote speaker Ms. Joanne Bland, one of the youngest civil rights activists during Dr. King’s era. Ms. Bland shared some of the firsthand encounters and experiences she endured during the civil rights movement. Our program also highlighted strategies and ways to heed Dr. King’s call to activism, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

(President Barack Obama and Ms. JoAnne Bland)

Dr. King was a trailblazer and beacon of hope for many, and we must continue his legacy through community activism and a collective commitment to social justice! Below are a few highlights from the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative celebrations!