The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is the longest running annual event at Oregon State University focused on social justice and transformative change. The 38th annual event kicked off Jan. 18 with Community Engagement & Leadership's MLK, Jr.'s Day of Service.
The keynote speaker for the 2020 Celebration was Raquel Willis, activist and executive editor of Out magazine. If you missed the event on Jan. 20, you can view the video recording.
Celebration Objectives
- Learn about and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King and collaboratively envision ways to carry forward his work;
- Participate in an impactful, inclusive and engaging celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King; and
- Collaboratively learn about and reflect on the legacy of Dr. King in a way that is relevant in today's context.
Peace Breakfast, Keynote Address and Peace March
The annual Peace Breakfast, held on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while honoring members of the Oregon State community who carry his message and work forward in the present.
The Keynote Address speaker for 2020 is Raquel Willis, activist and executive editor of Out magazine. As a Black queer transgender activist, writer and speaker, Willis is dedicated to inspiring and elevating marginalized individuals, particularly transgender women of color. This keynote session follows the Peace Breakfast at 11 am in LaSells Stewart Center.
The Keynote Address is followed by a Peace March from the LaSells Stewart Center to the Memorial Union. The Peace March is an opportunity to join in solidarity with community members and reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of creating transformative change through non-violence.
See you at the 2021 events!
Celebration Events
The Celebration - A week-long series consisting of workshops, speakers, service opportunities and other community engagement events hosted by departments and units throughout Oregon State.
Legacy Awards
Each year, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee presents the following legacy awards to Oregon State University community members who exemplify qualities of service and selflessness. The 2020 award winners are:
- The Frances Dancy Hooks Award: Erika McCalpine, Instructor and Program Lead for Business Administration, OSU-Cascades
- The Phyllis S. Lee Award: Dr. Edward J. Ray, President, Oregon State University
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The Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award:
- Ruta Faifaiese, undergraduate, College of Public Health and Human Sciences
- Winston Kennedy, doctoral graduate student, College of Public Health and Human Sciences
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The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award
- Sharada Bose, '84
- Dwight Roberson II, '18