In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 17, 2022
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 17, 2022
“It Starts with Me: Shifting Priorities to Create the Beloved Community.”
We, at Union Institute & University, can be proud that our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees honor and advance Dr. King’s vision of “A Beloved Community” every day, across the nation and the globe.
Social justice is embedded in Union’s Mission. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ph.D. Studies Specialization explores Dr. King’s ideas, ideals, practices, and their meaning for today’s complex world. The Institute for Social Justice (TISJ) provides innovative and practical solutions for challenges in today’s world. TISJ applies theory to practice through scholar-practitioners, philanthropists, policymakers, and other leaders, who are committed to promoting social justice and equity through research, education, and policy.
As each of us commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember his vision of “the beloved community” as a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of humanity. At Union we take special pride in our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, who are making a difference every day. Therefore, on this special day let us engage, enlighten, and empower ourselves and our communities by experiencing the inspiring work of our alumni listed here.
Listen to the podcast with Dr. Melvin J. Gravely, author of Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships, and Our Path to Equity, as he challenges us to openly discuss three questions at the heart of the issue: What is really going on with race in our country? Why must we care? What can we do about it together?
Read how alumna Dr. Janet Sims-Wood, a gifted and acclaimed historian, author, publisher, and reference librarian, has made it her life’s work to preserve the rich legacy of Black history, especially Black women’s history.
Don’t miss the innovative way Maurice Harris is exploring positive social change through music, with a call to action to look at the root causes of systemic racism and inequities.
Yet we know that many challenges remain to achieve economic and racial equity. Health care, criminal justice reform, voting rights suppression, environmental concerns, educational inequality, and many other disparities continue to plague our country.
As we officially honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, and I know that we at Team Union will continue our collective efforts to promote equality, peace, racial justice, and forgiveness, which are the values Dr. King so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America.
Thank you, Team Union, for your outstanding contributions to our beloved Union community.
With deep appreciation,
Dr. Karen Schuster Webb
President