VSU Commemorates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We are not makers of history. We are made by history." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a list of events throughout the last two weeks of January. This year's celebration also includes events that commemorate 50 years since the institution was integrated.

Among MLK events are discussions about civil rights and the historical conception of racism as well as the annual MLK commemorative march. Several students will also participate in "A Day On, Not a Day Off" Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. All events are a collaborative effort of VSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Planning Committee, which is comprised of several offices, departments and organizations.

Scheduled events include:

Monday, Jan. 20

"A Day On, Not a Day Off" Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Community service at various locations.

Social Symposium: "Being a Minority at a Predominantly White Institution"
Film Presentation of The Butler
Student Union Theater 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the 50 Years of Integration Celebration Committee and Black Student League

Social Symposium: "Being a Minority at a Predominantly White Institution"
Student Panel Discussion
Student Union Theater 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the 50 Years of Integration Celebration Committee and Black Student League

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Dr. Fred Knowles presents "Thurgood Marshall's Civil Rights Legacy in Indian Law"
Student Union Theater 7 p.m.
Hosted by Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and Office of Social Equity

Thursday, Jan.23

Dr. Tom Aiello presents "How to Drive Out Darkness: Martin Luther King's Historical Conception of Racism"
Student Union Theater 7 p.m.
Hosted by Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and Office of Social Equity

Tuesday, Jan. 28

MLK Commemorative March
Lineup begins at the University Center on the corner of Ann and Patterson streets 4 p.m.
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - Mu Omicron Chapter, VSU NAACP and Office of Social Equity

Wednesday, Jan. 29

"The Three Social Evils" Panel Discussion
University Center Theater 7 p.m.
Hosted by MLK Planning Committee

For more information, contact the Office of Social Equity at (229) 333-5463.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.