Valparaiso University will host a day of discussions and presentations in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. The events are free and open to the public. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Harre Union.
“This year’s theme is inspired by Dr. King’s final publication “Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community,” said Deondra Devitt, executive director of human resources and co-chair of the MLK Day committee. “As a campus and country, I think it’s important that we reflect on MLK’s message. As a campus community we can be the change that we desire to see in our community, campus, country and world.”
This year’s Convocation speaker will be Abdullah Hasan Pratt, M.D., Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Dr. Pratt’s upbringing and firsthand experience with the health challenges faced by many residents of Chicago’s Southside have deeply influenced his career and his commitment to advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. Dr. Pratt will address attendees at the Convocation Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of the Resurrection.
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a variety of focus sessions in the Harre Union from 9:30 to 11 a.m. These sessions include community-centered topics, including “The Role of Government and Elected Leaders in Championing Community,” “Collective Courage: Uniting for Social Justice and Community,” “New Town, New Friends: Service as a Way to Create Community.”
Additional sessions include “We Are Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams: Black America’s Legacy in Latinx Communities,” where Hip-hop artist Olmeca will explore the intersections between non-Black Latinos and African Americans in forging collective strength amidst shared struggles. Another session, “It’s Giving Fam–Community in Social Media,” will focus on the role of social media in fostering conversation and community.
A viewing of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Harre Union, followed by Convocation at 1 p.m. For more information on the event, visit valpo.edu/mlk.
MORE VALPARAISO RELATED ARTICLES . . .
Singin In the Rain Coming To Valparaiso February 28th
Award-winning screenplay in Singin’ in the Rain is The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” that faithfully and lovingly is adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original . Tap your toes and sing along in this splashy adaptation of the celebrated and beloved film Each unforgettable scene, song and dance…
19th Annual Gardening Show is January 25th
19th Annual Gardening Show will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST (Chicago Time.) Admission is $10 Cash; Children under 12 Free with Free Parking. The Gardening show is held at the Porter County Expo Center, located at 215 East Division Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Spotlight on Seminar Speakers We are pleased to present four…
Valparaiso Creative Council Hires Full-Time Executive Director
Valparaiso Creative Council Expands Leadership with Full-Time Executive Director” The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time Executive Director, effective January 2, 2025. The expansion of this leadership role marks the Council’s commitment to enhancing the creative community and supportive offerings in Valparaiso…
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
