Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2016

January 17 to 23, 2016

 Click below to view the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration’s poster of events Poster_MLK_lk_FINAL2016 

MLK  Jr.  Kids Day

Sunday, Jan. 17,  3 – 4 p.m., James Monroe High School

Children from the community are invited to engage in games, activities and crafts run by UMW students. Sponsored by the Partnership for Excellence, this annual celebration honors Martin Luther King, Jr. Contact the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service at 540-654-2272 for more information.

The University of Mary Washington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Speaker: Donzaleigh Abernathy

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Chandler Ballroom, University Center Sponsored by the Office of the President

Donzaleigh Abernathy was born in the midst of the American Civil Rights Movement to Mrs. Juanita Jones and Reverend Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, who created with their best friend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a nonviolent social movement which changed the course of American History. Ms. Abernathy’s in-depth knowledge and participation in all of the major Civil Rights Marches as well as witnessing integral decisions being made that helped to shape American laws and society make her a powerful voice in today’s discussions on race and equality.

Ms. Abernathy was given the distinguished honor of introducing Rosa Parks at one of her last public appearances for the 45th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Banquet. She also introduced Coretta Scott King and Dawn Steele, the first female President of a Motion Picture Studio for the Women’s Federation for World Peace.

In 2004, Ms. Abernathy’s first book, Partners To History, Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy and the Civil Rights Movement, was nominated as one of the “Best Books for Young Adults” by the American Library Association. Later, Emory University’s Brave New Works Project produced her screenplay, in which she starred based on a chapter in her book.

For four years, Ms. Abernathy starred in Lifetime Television’s critically acclaimed series, Any Day Now, weekly portraying a character from age thirty and age seventy. Television audiences may also know her from her recurring roles on the series, The Walking Dead, Lincoln Heights, Dangerous Minds, House, 24 and Amazing Grace.

Ms. Abernathy received the 2012 Tanne Foundation Award for her work as an Actress and Writer. Ms. Abernathy also gained acclaim from Film Critic Roger Ebert for her performance as “Martha-the slave” in Warner Bros. Studio’s Civil War Epic, Gods and Generals, directed by Ron Maxwell.

She has appeared on various radio and talk shows from CNN, FOX Morning Show (NY), to Politically Incorrect. In addition to her career as an actress, she has worked as Environmentalist, for the Centers for Disease Control HIV/AIDS Awareness Program, Amnesty International, Artists for a New South Africa and served as a Founding Trustees for the New Visions Foundation and the former Vice President of the Board of New Roads Schools of Santa Monica. Her life is profiled in the books No Mountain High Enough and Fearless Women.

Trading Spaces:  A Discussion of Race Relations

Thursday, Jan. 21, 5 p.m., Chandler Ballroom, University Center

Sponsored by the Black Student Association, Brothers of a New Direction, Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity and Women of Color

UMW faculty, staff and students will discuss race relations on campus and in society. Participants will discuss strategies and initiatives for improving relations among different racial identities. This event will foster understanding and acceptance.

MLK Jr. Day of Service

Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Chandler Ballroom, University Center 

The UMW MLK Jr. Day of Service is a way for students to give back to the Fredericksburg community in honor of the legacy of Dr. King and his commitment to strengthening communities. Students will complete various community service projects.  Following the service projects, participants will engage in a discussion about servant leadership and working towards social change. Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Please register online at  www.umw.edu/mlkdayofservice.