MLK Celebration

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 Celebration Gala & Awards Banquet (tickets required for entry)

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Hollis Center
Rinker Fieldhouse

Cultural Credit Event

Request a ticket

As a change from the annual MLK Breakfast, this year's MLK Planning Committee has partnered with Stetson to host this MLK Celebration Gala & Awards Banquet as the signature event of the week for the entire Stetson and Volusia County community, drawing 400 guests. The Gala will feature 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 Gala will be three-time Grammy-winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. 

The Gala 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. 

MLK Unity Worship Service

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church

While this is not a Stetson-sponsored event, the MLK DeLand Planning Committee extends an invitation to all Stetson students, faculty, and staff to attend this worship service to commemorate Dr. King's focus on faith in pursuit of justice. The service will feature a sermon by Master Hilton Rawls III, a 13-year-old preacher and influencer. 

Annual MLK Unity March

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meet outside the Museum of Art - DeLand (600 N. Woodland Blvd. - just across from Emily Hall)

Join hundreds of local community members in the annual MLK Unity March, coordinated by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee. Participants are encouraged to bring banners and signs that reflect their commitment to Dr. King's vision of economic and racial justice. The March will proceed from the Museum at 10:45 a.m., travel through downtown DeLand, and conclude at Earl Brown Park (approximately one mile away) by 11:45 a.m., in time for the annual MLK Festival that will begin at noon. 

 

Annual MLK Festival

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Earl Brown Park (750 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand)

Join hundreds of local community members at the annual MLK Festival, coordinated by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee, which will feature family-friendly live performances, local business and non-profit activity booths, food trucks, and a basketball tournament. 

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 is 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 7:00 p.m. 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. Join the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and our distinguished panel of speakers for a dialogue inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event includes a panel discussion, spoken word poetry, and a delicious lunch. Don't miss out! 

Registration Required