January 15, 2025
SIU to honor MLK’s legacy with week of service, special events
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with a special Week of Service Jan. 20-24.
The theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” and most of the activities are free and open to the public.
“SIU’s MLK Week of Service commemorates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his belief in and hope of making our communities better by serving one another,” said Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. “This week, students, faculty and staff will join together to achieve that purpose.”
Leading the way, impactful debate
Everyone is welcome to attend the “Leaders of Tomorrow: Student Panel” set for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 21 in Room 170 at the Student Services Building. This student-led event is hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Undergraduate Student Government Taskforce for Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and it will feature students sharing their visions and perspectives as they express what King’s dream means to them. Refreshments will follow.
The public is also welcome at the MLK Social Justice and Impact Oratorical Debate at noon Jan. 22 in the Old Main Room at the Student Center. SIU students will speak to their peers and people from the campus and greater community, offering various perspectives, pros and cons regarding social justice impact and its meaning. Each contestant must present an original speech of no more than five minutes on the theme, featuring a quote from King, and then they will have an additional three minutes to respond to questions from the panel of judges. Three winners will claim $100 gift cards from the University Bookstore. Lunch will be provided.
Recognizing service, continuing to serve
Since King dedicated so much of his time and energy to serving others, organizers of SIU’s MLK Week of Service said it is only fitting that they take time to celebrate some of those who serve others in Southern Illinois. SIU’s Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism will be hosting its annual service and volunteerism awards ceremony in the Student Center Ballrooms at 4 p.m. Jan. 23. Students and student organizations will be recognized for their volunteer efforts.
This year, some very special “extra” awards will be given as well. The MLK Youth Service Leader of the Year Award will be given to youths in the Carbondale community who have made a notable impact on the area through their service. Nominations are now being accepted online.
Wrapping up the week on Jan. 24, student volunteers from a variety of SIU student organizations will read books focusing on King’s dream to children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in area schools and organizations, including Parish, Lewis and Thomas schools.
In addition, SIU’s MLK week will include the 43rd annual Martin L. King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by the Carbondale Branch of the NAACP. It will take place at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 20 at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms with SIU undergraduate student Taylor Lawrence as the guest speaker. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youths and available at the door with proceeds going to the branch’s scholarship fund.