Syracuse University Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Josh Meyers, SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A year ago, Syracuse University honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Carrier Dome with hundreds of students. This came alongside a week of special events that explored the themes of race and identity through artistic presentations.

Unfortunately, SU has to take a different approach this year.

“So much has changed in the world since we last observed the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday,” Chancellor Kent Syrverud said in an email to students this morning. “This year, we recognize his impact and celebrate his dream against a backdrop of troubling events.”

This year, SU will be celebrating the life of MLK in a completely virtual environment. The university is holding a special virtual series of events this week to commemorate the cultural, social and artistic impact of the civil rights movement, according to the SU website.

“Today, I am asking all of us to seek insipration and motivation to honor Dr. King’s legacy,” Syverud said.

The virtual events will be capped off by the annual MLK Day celebration on January 31st. The event, known as the largest of its kind on any college campus, will feature Ruby Bridges, a civil rights icon, activist, author and speaker.

“We are honored to host Ruby Bridges as our keynote speaker,” dean of Hendricks Chapel Rev. Brian Konkol said. “She is the right person for the right time.”

In addition to Bridges, the virtual event will also feature community and student performances, a presentation of the 2021 Unsung Hero Awards, and interactive pre-celebration programs, according to the university.