Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | A Message of Hope

Dear Saint Mary’s Community,

On Monday, January 17, 2022, our country marks a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a campus community, this is a time for us to reflect on Dr. King’s life and what his example of love, non-violence, and promoting real change means for our own actions. We at Saint Mary’s recognize that we continue to experience a world of racial hostility, but the healing work continues. 

Please join us in a celebration of hope, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by remembering his inspiration, his efforts toward social justice, and his call for us to serve.  

On Friday, January 14, the Mission and Ministry Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invite all members of our community to gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through shared prayer and reflections on specific quotes from Dr. King. Two brief prayer and reflection opportunities will take place, one on Zoom (at 10 a.m.) and one in-person at the Chapel Plaza (at 1 p.m.). We hope you can join in this commemoration. 

We also want to take this moment to highlight our colleagues Robin Dunn and Laure Bowman, co-chairs of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) subcommittee of the College Committee on Inclusive Excellence. They, along with the campus community members of BLM, are planning our annual 44 Days: Honoring Black History Month, Feb. 9 to March 24, 2022. This year’s theme is Power, Pride, and Purpose. We encourage you to continue lifting up Dr. King’s example of love and community, and participate in the many opportunities and sessions throughout the 44 Days of Black History at Saint Mary’s. Please check back here for updates.

While we have much work to do, let Dr. King’s work and legacy be a beacon of hope and action. Let our Lasallian Core Principles be our roadmap:

Concern for the Poor and Social Justice

We are in solidarity with the poor and advocate for those suffering from injustices.

Faith in the Presence of God 

We believe in the living presence of God in our students, our community and our world.

Quality Education

We engage in quality education together as students, staff, and faculty by thinking critically and examining our world in light of faith.

Respect for All Persons

We honor and respect the dignity of all individuals.

Inclusive Community

We celebrate diversity and welcome all members of our community.

Best Regards,

Richard Plumb, PhD,                                        Evette Castillo Clark, EdD
President                                                         Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion