William & Mary will honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a number of events, including a fireside chat with world-renowned King historian Clayborne Carson. 

“This year’s commemoration aims to advance freedom, justice and community in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy,” said Monique Williams, interim director of the Center for Student Diversity. “With a week-long plan of events that include marching to the Hearth and completing service in the community to a keynote address with Dr. Clayborne Carson, this year’s celebration offers historical reflections on activism with contemporary movements for justice and equality.”

The activities begin on Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – when Civic & Community Engagement will host a variety of service projects, coordinated by W&M’s AmeriCorps members. The opportunities are open to the public, but registration is required.

On Jan. 28, the Center for Student Diversity, in collaboration with the National Panhellenic Council, Ebony Expressions Gospel Choir, & Black Poets Society, will host a march to the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved in honor of King. 

Participants will gather in the Sadler Center atrium at 4:30 p.m., and the march will begin at 4:45 p.m. Once the participants reach the memorial, a program featuring the National Panhellenic Council, Ebony Expressions Gospel Choir and the Black Poets Society will offer an opportunity to share reflections on how King’s work continues to inspire and influence. A reception with light refreshments will follow. The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, it will be held in the Sadler Center atrium.

Carson, founding director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute and the Martin Luther King Papers Project, will speak during the university’s annual King commemoration on Jan. 30 in the Sadler Center. Jajuan Johnson, public historian for research & programs for The Lemon Project, will serve as moderator. 

The event, which begins at 5 p.m., will be hosted by the Center for Student Diversity in partnership with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the W&M School of Education. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Carson is a renowned scholar whose research has uncovered valuable insights into King’s life and work. A former Stanford University professor, he currently serves as the director of the The World House Project, which focuses on global human rights through education. In addition to speaking at the university’s commemoration, Carson will meet with a small group of faculty and staff from across campus and Black student leaders.

The Martin Luther King Jr. events will culminate on Feb. 1 when Civic & Community Engagement and the Center for Student Diversity host a special, collaborative Service Saturday. Participants will attend a pre-service meeting on Jan. 29 and and then engage in one of four different service project throughout the area. Participants will also reflect on their place in efforts to advance freedom, justice and community. The opportunity is open to students, and registration is required. Participants may sign up as individuals or groups.

Earlier this month, W&M student-athletes participated in a day of service.