Martin Luther King Jr. 2019 Week of Activities: University Update 2

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January 18, 2019

We write to update you on the complete list of Martin Luther King Jr. Week activities, and give you an idea of what is in the planning stages for related special events beyond the next week.

As is the case every year, our keynote lecture – this year by Tamika D. Mallory, co-president of the Women’s March – will be accompanied by smaller-group discussions and events for our students. This year, Professor Richard Chess, director of UNC Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies, has also worked with us to arrange a special private meeting between Ms. Mallory and many leaders of Asheville’s Jewish community. Facilitating that discussion and the events on campus is the kind of work that is central to the university’s mission, and honors the enduring values expressed and embodied by Dr. King.

Below is a summary of the week’s events, with thanks to the work of the UNC Asheville Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee, UNC Asheville’s Senior Staff and Student Affairs staff, and in consultation with the UNC Asheville Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

Jan. 19, Saturday –

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County Prayer Breakfast – UNC Asheville is one of the sponsors of this important annual community event and Chancellor Cable will represent the university on the dais. The university and the association also partner on a scholarship program providing tuition assistance to students nominated by the association.

Jan. 21, Monday –

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – As you know, in honor of the King holiday, no classes will be held and the university has organized volunteer opportunities in partnership with United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County and Mission Health. Please consider volunteering your time at numerous local organization through our community partnerships. To get involved, sign up online here. Service work will take place during the morning, leaving you time to participate in the annual Peace March downtown at noon.

Jan. 22, Tuesday –

  • Mindful Discourse: Civility, Engaged Listening, and Sourcing Information – This interactive discussion session, open only to UNC Asheville students, will be led by Kate Johnson of UNC Asheville’s Key Center for Community Engaged Learning and Megan Pugh of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Noon-1 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.

Jan. 23, Wednesday –

  • Intersectional Movement Building: Challenges and Possibilities – This discussion session, open only to UNC Asheville students, will be led by faculty members Dr. Lyndi Hewitt, Dr. Sarah Judson and Dr. Tiece Ruffin. 2-3:15 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.

Jan. 24, Thursday –

  • Multidimensional Leadership in Non-Violent Social Movements – This master class is for UNC Asheville students only, and will consist of a talk by Mallory followed by Q&A. 5-6 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.
  • Keynote Lecture by Tamika D. Mallory – Mallory, national co-president of the Women’s March, will deliver an address and then respond to audience questions. For more information on Mallory, see the news release. Free and open to everyone, 7 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and first-come, first-served seating. Overflow live-streaming will be offered in Highsmith Student Union in the Grotto. NOTE – UNC Asheville’s Clear Bag Policy will be in effect at Lipinsky Auditorium for the MLK Week Keynote Address on Jan. 24. Please leave backpacks at home or check them at the door. 

Jan. 25, Friday –

  • Truth, Healing and Reconciliation – This dialogue session will feature small-group discussions for UNC Asheville students, faculty and staff. Noon-1 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.

Storytelling Booths – UNC Asheville students, faculty and staff are all invited to share stories of working with others across lines of personal and ideological difference. Stories will be collected as a university resource. Booth locations and hours: Ramsey Library: Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Thursday, noon-4 p.m.; and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Highsmith Student Union room 239: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. To reserve at time, click here.

More upcoming events – In response to the community conversation about Mallory’s appearance on campus, UNC Asheville is scheduling additional public talks during the spring 2019 semester featuring nationally known thought leaders, discussing anti-Semitism, Jewish and African-American community relations, race and interfaith dialogue, and more. Events will be announced when scheduling is finalized.

–Jill Moffit, Ed.D

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Title IX Administrator

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