The improving and growing legacy of diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses is forever intertwined with the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. On January 20 every year, we honor all the countless ways that the tireless efforts of this civil rights hero and his compatriots inspire us to accept and embrace our fellow man with kindness and intention. Let’s remember some of the examples in which the torch has been picked up across centers of higher learning to help inform our own efforts here at Life U.

  • Establishing Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day as a Day of Service

In April 1994, The United States Senate voted on The King Holiday and Service Act of 1993 in order to designate MLK Day as the first and only National Day of Service. The adopted tagline of the day is that it is “a day on, not a day off” that encourages people to find meaningful ways to serve and connect with their communities. Many colleges and collegiate groups take up the charge each year, along with many community leaders across Georgia and the nation. Though Life University (Life U) does not currently have an MLK-based service day, we do have regular community service events and projects on campus, such as our monthly “Life U CAREs presents MUST Ministries Mobile Food Pantry.” Here are some opportunities through Hands On Atlanta for ideas to serve during MLK week.

  • Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Modern Student Activism

In the wake of shocking cases of police brutality and inequality of the justice system, the Black Lives Matter movement has been a natural outpouring in response that mirrors rallies and non-violent protests of MLK’s time, exhibiting many young adults’ steadfast commitment to standing for equal rights. We have seen earlier instances of rallying around MLK’s teachings in historical times of strife, such as the outcry against Apartheid in the 1980s.

  • Desegregation of Universities

 On a fundamental level, we cannot forget the basic fact that without the efforts of MLK and other dedicated civil rights leaders and supporters, colleges could still be legally segregated and insular. Luckily now our efforts can be directed toward a fuller picture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives on Campuses

Thanks to MLK’s influence, many colleges have designated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion departments to ensure that campuses are welcoming and accessible to people from all walks of life and cultures. Life U’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) curates events, programs and services aimed at fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where all members of the community can thrive. Some examples of that commitment include supporting student clubs with a focus on cultural bolstering, such as the Hispanic Chiropractic Club and the Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA), as well as our annual Juneteenth Celebration.

  • Special Events of Remembrance

Countless events of remembrance are held nationwide in recognition of the life and influence of Dr. King. Due to weather, the 2025 MLK day reception was rescheduled at Life U for January 28, 11 a.m. in the Presidential Dining Room of the CGUS building. Join the Life University community for an inspirational celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the remarkable contributions of our Diversity Champions.

This special event, hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is a time to reflect, recognize and commit to the ideals of justice, equity and inclusion that Dr. King so powerfully embodied.

Event Highlights:

  • Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maurice Hobson, renowned Professor of Africana Studies and Historian at Georgia State University. Dr. Hobson is the author of the award-winning book The Legend of the Black Mecca: Politics and Class in the Making of Modern Atlanta. He also served as the chief historian for the documentary “Maynard” about Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor, and as the consulting historian for “Hip Hop Evolution: Atlanta.”
  • Diversity Champion Award Recipient: We honor Dr. Sherterica Hall, Assistant Professor of Chiropractic Science, for her outstanding dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting equity on our campus.

These examples are only a few ways in which we can see MLK’s dream alive and well. We continue to strive to make the dream a reality as we press into 2025. Happy MLK Day!