Lana Oconnell
Students at Penn State University marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a range of activities. With no classes on the day, many students took the opportunity to give back to their community through service projects, such as cleaning, painting, and preparing food. Other activities included an MLK march, basketball classic, poetry and prose performances, and a community dinner. The day is observed annually on the third Monday of January, with the motto a day on, not a day off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Third Monday of January each year |
| Activities | Community service, cleaning, painting, preparing food, learning about King's legacy, basketball tournament, poetry, prose, performance, music, march, community dinner, open-mic event, keynote presentation, reading, exhibition, awards reception, banquet |
| Time | Various times throughout the day, starting from 9:00 a.m. |
| Location | Penn State University campuses, HUB-Robeson Center, Heritage Hall, various locations in the HUB, Mercer County Food Bank, Perkins Auditorium, MLK Plaza downtown, etc. |
| Organizers | Penn State University, Penn State Berks Sustainability Council, Student Leadership and Involvement Team, Penn State Shenango Student Affairs, Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs, Student Activity Fee, Black Student Union, Community Heroes Service Club, etc. |
| Sponsors | Student Leadership and Involvement Team, Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs, Student Activity Fee |
| Motto | "A day on, not a day off" |
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What You'll Learn
- Students participated in a day of service, giving back to their community
- They attended a basketball classic, celebrating MLK Jr.'s legacy through sport
- There was a poetry, prose and performance tribute, with music and movement
- A march and events were held downtown, including a presentation and a peace march
- Students also took part in an exhibition, featuring MLK posters
Students participated in a day of service, giving back to their community
Students at Penn State University participated in a day of service, giving back to their community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This federal holiday, which is observed annually on the third Monday of January, commemorates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights activist. The MLK Day of Service is intended to honour King's dedication to serving others and promoting equality.
Penn State University students embraced this spirit of service and volunteerism in a variety of ways. One group of students from the Penn State Berks Sustainability Council focused on environmental stewardship by removing invasive plants from the campus, contributing to its sustainability efforts. This initiative was also recognised as part of the MLK Day of Service in 2024, where volunteers worked to eradicate invasive species.
Additionally, students at Penn State Shenango collaborated with the Mercer County Food Bank, sorting and preparing items to support those facing food insecurity. This annual event underscores the university's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Beyond these initiatives, students at Penn State University also engaged in a range of other activities. Some participated in a peace march, while others joined Erie's annual MLK march, standing together to honour King's legacy and continuing the fight for equal rights. On campus, students organised a basketball tournament, bringing the community together through sports while also collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks.
The MLK Day of Service at Penn State University extended beyond traditional volunteering. Students also took part in performances, poetry readings, and prose presentations that celebrated King's life and legacy. These artistic expressions, including music and movement, were part of a tribute called "Change Continues With Us," showcasing the ongoing pursuit of King's dream of a better world for all.
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They attended a basketball classic, celebrating MLK Jr.'s legacy through sport
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Penn State University students attended the "I Have a Dream" High School Basketball Classic. The basketball game celebrated MLK Jr.'s legacy through sport and community. The event was hosted by Penn State Harrisburg and featured four local high school teams. The girls' game tipped off at 3 pm with Central Dauphin East High School vs. Northeastern High School, followed by the boys' game at 5 pm with Gettysburg High School vs. Middletown High School. Attendees were asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks.
The basketball classic was part of Penn State's MLK Day of Service, which is held annually on the third Monday of January. The event encourages students to give back to their community and engage with service and civic engagement opportunities. Students performed various community services, such as cleaning, painting, and preparing food, while also learning about King's legacy.
The MLK Day of Service is sponsored by the Dr. MLK, Jr. Commemoration Committee and the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. It aims to engage students in their community and answer the call to service that MLK Jr. embodied. The event is designed to be "a day on, not a day off," with students coming together to make a positive impact and honour MLK Jr.'s commitment to serving others.
The basketball classic was a unique way to celebrate MLK Jr.'s legacy through sport, competition, and community building. It provided an opportunity for students to come together and honour MLK Jr.'s memory while also enjoying friendly competition and showcasing their athletic talents. The event promoted unity, diversity, and the values that MLK Jr. stood for, making it a meaningful way for Penn State University students to commemorate the life and impact of a civil rights icon.
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There was a poetry, prose and performance tribute, with music and movement
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students of Penn State University honoured the life and legacy of the civil rights icon through various events and service projects. One notable highlight was the "Change Continues With Us" tribute, a powerful celebration of poetry, prose, music and movement.
This tribute event, held on Wednesday, 22 January, at 6 pm in the HUB-Robeson Centre, was a dynamic and inspiring way to commemorate MLK Jr.'s enduring impact. The performances were not just limited to poetry and prose but also incorporated music and movement, creating a multimedia experience that engaged the audience in multiple ways. The event was open to students, staff and community members, fostering a sense of unity and collective remembrance.
The featured performances included a diverse range of talents, such as Dr. Wilson Okello, Carmin Wong, and the winners of the Alpha Phi Alpha Oratorical Competition. These individuals brought their own unique styles and interpretations to the tribute, ensuring a rich and varied programme. The performances were carefully curated to align with the themes of civil rights, equality and social justice, which were central to MLK Jr.'s work.
The tribute was more than just a performance; it served as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards social change and equality. The title, "Change Continues With Us", emphasised the belief that MLK Jr.'s dream for a better world remains an ongoing pursuit. Through their participation, the attendees not only honoured the past but also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the work that MLK Jr. began.
The "Change Continues With Us" tribute at Penn State University was a creative and impactful way to commemorate MLK Jr. Day. By using poetry, prose, music and movement, the event organisers crafted an immersive and meaningful experience that not only celebrated MLK Jr.'s legacy but also inspired continued action towards social progress.
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A march and events were held downtown, including a presentation and a peace march
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students from Penn State University participated in a march and events held downtown. The day began with a presentation at MLK Plaza in downtown State College, Pennsylvania. Following the presentation, attendees marched to the campus, concluding with an evening program titled "Rhythms of Change". The featured guest of the march was Sir Dominique, A Poetic Vanguard, and the featured speaker was Dr. Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The events were designed to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promote his vision of peace and equality.
The march and downtown events provided an opportunity for the Penn State University community to come together and honour Dr. King's advocacy for civil rights and social justice. By participating in the march, students showed their support for Dr. King's ideals and demonstrated their commitment to carrying forward his message of peace and equality. The events also served as a platform for education and dialogue, allowing participants to learn more about Dr. King's work and its continued relevance in today's society.
The presentation at MLK Plaza played a pivotal role in the day's activities. It served as a space for reflection and remembrance, where attendees could immerse themselves in Dr. King's teachings and pay tribute to his enduring legacy. The presentation likely included speeches, readings, and multimedia elements that captured the essence of Dr. King's life and work. This segment of the event was a solemn reminder of the progress that has been made and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.
The march itself was a powerful demonstration of unity and solidarity. As participants made their way from downtown State College to the campus, they sent a clear message of support for Dr. King's principles. The act of marching together symbolised the collective effort needed to continue striving for positive change and creating a more equitable future. The march also served as a visual reminder of the strength and resilience of those who continue to fight for social justice and equality.
The evening program, "Rhythms of Change", brought the day's events to a close. This concluding segment likely included performances, speeches, and artistic expressions that reflected on the themes of change, progress, and unity. The program aimed to inspire and motivate attendees to embrace Dr. King's dream and continue working towards a better world. It provided a platform for the Penn State University community to showcase their commitment to making a positive impact and fostering an inclusive environment.
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Students also took part in an exhibition, featuring MLK posters
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Penn State University students honour the life and work of the civil rights icon through various community service projects and events. One of the highlights of the day is the student-led exhibition featuring MLK posters.
The exhibition, titled "Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," is installed outside the Madlyn L. Hanes Library’s Archives and Special Collections. It showcases the creative talents of Penn State Harrisburg students who have designed powerful and inspiring MLK posters as part of the annual campus contest. This visual display serves as a testament to the impact and influence of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on the student community.
The posters featured in the exhibition reflect the students' interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and achievements. They may incorporate themes such as civil rights, equality, peace, and social justice. Through their artistic expressions, the students not only showcase their creativity but also their understanding and appreciation of the values that Martin Luther King Jr. stood for.
The exhibition provides a visual platform for the students to pay homage to the iconic leader. It allows them to express their thoughts and emotions, raising awareness about the ongoing struggle for equality and social change. The posters become a medium for the students to continue the conversation about racial justice and to inspire their peers to carry forward Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of a better world for all.
The MLK poster exhibition at Penn State University is a powerful reminder of the impact that students can have in honouring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It encourages them to use their talents and voices to address societal issues and work towards creating a more equitable future. Through their participation in this exhibition, the students not only honour the past but also actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive and just society.
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Frequently asked questions
On January 20, 2020, students at Penn State University honoured Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in the annual MLK Day of Service. Students performed community services such as cleaning, painting, and preparing food, while also learning about King's legacy.
On January 15, 2023, students at Penn State University participated in the MLK Day of Service by removing invasive species from campus. The event was hosted by the Penn State Berks Sustainability Council, and volunteers were treated to pizza and hot drinks after the event.
Penn State University hosted a variety of events to commemorate MLK Day, including a basketball classic, a poetry and prose performance, a community dinner, an open-mic event, and a keynote presentation. The university also held a memorial banquet and a peace march to honour Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy.
