January 14, 2022
Dear Gonzaga Community:
This coming Monday, communities around the country will pause to commemorate and celebrate the birth, life, and powerful impact of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A minister, writer, activist, and humanitarian leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and justice for all, committed to elimination of racism and the achievement of social justice through nonviolent action and civil disobedience.
The assassination of Dr. King in March 1968 was an attempt to silence not only a powerful voice but an entire movement – one that continues to call for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. As our nation and community commemorate his 93rd birthday, successive generations have kept The Dream alive – and today underscore our individual and collective responsibility for embracing and realizing Dr. King’s vision for creating “the Beloved Community, where injustice ceases and love prevails.”
For over 25 years, in communion with communities around the nation, Gonzaga has participated with the broader Spokane community to memorialize Dr. King’s life and works through acts of service and community gatherings. While the pandemic has forced the cancellation of many in-person events, I encourage all members of our community, to consider joining a Zoom conversation presented by UMEC on “A Dream Remembered: The Past, Present, and Future of Black Excellence” with Dr. Scott Finnie, Africana Studies of Eastern Washington University; Stephy Nobles-Beans, Chaplain/DEI Ministries at Whitworth University; and Freda Gandy, President of MLK Community Center. Together we will; remember and celebrate the life, legacy, and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through spoken word, song, dance, and more! See the attached invitation to register.
For additional opportunities to engage, consider participating in the national commemoration sponsored by The King Center.
Gonzaga will hold a Martin Luther King, Jr. service on Thursday, January 20 from 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. Watch Morning Mail for additional details.
As we celebrate the life of Dr. King, let us reaffirm our commitment to social justice. Let us join with millions who each and every day continue the work of building communities, and a nation, based upon caring and compassion, and the core principles of human dignity, justice, respect, and unconditional love.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Sincerely yours,
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President