The local community will come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of events celebrating his vision of social justice and unity, beginning January 20th. The annual celebration, themed “Our Beloved Community,” invites everyone to reflect on the civil rights movement’s past and its ongoing relevance today.
Monday will feature a thought-provoking lecture titled “Gettysburg and the Civil Rights Era” in Gettysburg College’s Mara Auditorium. Hosted by the Public Policy Department and Center for Public Service, the session features local historians Jane Nutter and Jill Ogline Titus, who shed light on Gettysburg’s unique role during the civil rights movement. The discussion will explore local activism and connections to the national struggle for equality.
That evening, the college’s 43rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will promote a sense of togetherness at the college’s Christ Chapel. Titled “Our Beloved Community,” the event will include music, an inspiring message from College Chaplain Bright, and a reception.
On Sunday, January 26, there will be a free community screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Selma” at the Majestic Theatre. This powerful historical drama recounts the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. King and other civil rights leaders. The film is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices for equality and the importance of protecting voting rights.
The week will conclude on Friday, January 31 with a lecture by Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead titled “Finishing the Unfinished Work: Social Justice from the Civil War to Today.” Held in the college’s CUB Ballroom, Dr. Whitehead’s address will be a call to action, urging attendees to continue building “The Beloved Community” through advocacy and collective effort. A book signing and coffee reception will follow, fostering further discussion and connection.
Organized by Gettysburg College in collaboration with the Gettysburg YMCA, the week’s activities are designed to be a testament to the power of collective remembrance and action. The celebration not only honors Dr. King’s achievements but also encourages participants to carry forward his work in creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
For more information, contact the Gettysburg College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversityandinclusion@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6375.