MLK Week of Action
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
-The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To commemorate and take action upon Dr. King's vision for peace and justice, Stetson University's Center for Community Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Office of Religious and Spiritual Life are partnering with local organizations to host a series of events - both on- and off-campus - coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in mid-January.
All events are open to students, faculty, and staff, though some events require pre-registration to attend. More information on each event is below.
MLK Annual Breakfast (tickets required for entry)
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hollis Center
Rinker Fieldhouse
Cultural Credit Event
A tradition in Stetson and DeLand for decades, the MLK Annual Breakfast is the signature event of the week for the entire Stetson and Volusia County community, drawing more than 500 guests. The Breakfast features powerful performances and speakers who share their views on Dr. King's legacy and the future of our community. The keynote speaker for this year's Breakfast will be Stetson University President Christopher Roellke. Doors open at 8:45 a.m., and ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m.
The breakfast is free for Stetson students, faculty, and staff to attend, although seating is limited and tickets are required. In order to ensure that there is enough food for everyone, no people will be admitted without a ticket. Fill out this form to request a ticket.
Note: Following the Breakfast, attendees will be able to participate in the annual MLK Civil Rights March from Stetson to Earl Brown Park.
Community Expo
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Earl Brown Park in DeLand
750 S. Alabama Avenue
Get free resources from local businesses and non-profits, find volunteer and internship opportunities, and enjoy family-friendly live entertainment, sports, and arts activities with other members of the DeLand community. The event is free and open to the public.
Things We Don't Talk About At Dinner - Race Edition
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
CUB 261 - Lee's Garage
Cultural Credit Event
It's often said that there are some things people just shouldn't talk about at dinner - usually politics, race and religion. Well, we disagree with those people, and believe instead that we need more practice having tough conversations because that is how we learn and grow. So, join other students for dinner (catered by Tijuana Flats) where we'll talk about how to talk about difficult topics - this time, with a focus on race. No previous experience or special knowledge needed - just bring yourself and a commitment to listening and sharing. Seating will be limited to the first 40 people who show up, so arrive by 7:00pm to get your spot!
MLK Life & Legacy Celebration
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
CUB 203 - Stetson Room
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion formally invites you to The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life and Legacy Celebration. This year's theme is "Finding Joy: Building the Beloved Community." This reception celebrates the life of the civil rights icon and allows us an opportunity to reconnect with our Stetson University community, and reflect and strategize on how to make our community more inclusive and safer for all. Catering will be provided.
Registration is required. Fill out this form to register for the event.
Racial History of DeLand - Project Launch
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CUB 203 - Stetson Room
For several years, many local organizations and Stetson students, faculty and staff have been collecting information and conducting research - through newspaper articles, oral histories, Census and property records, and many others sources - to offer more accounts of DeLand's Black history. At this meeting, many of those groups will share their work and identify how they can help build a centralized repository of these records and collections that can be used to educate the public about the racial history of DeLand. Food and refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 11:30 a.m.
MLK Day of Service
8:00 a.m. - noon
Habitat for Humanity (2743 Pine Tree Rd., DeLand FL 32720)
Work with other Stetson students and community volunteers to help Habitat for Humanity build a home for a local family! No experience necessary - training will be provided. All you need are close-toed shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and your own transportation to the build site; water and sunscreen are recommended, too. Food will be provided. Email Alicia Harrington, Coordinator of Community Impact, at [email protected] with any questions. Registration is required; after you register, you'll be sent an email with additional information about the event, including a waiver that you'll need to complete.