By Kelly Stenka
Doane University celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of activities aimed at reflection, learning, and community engagement. The programming provided students, staff, and the broader community with opportunities to honor Dr. King's legacy and explore ways to promote equality and service.
On Monday, Jan. 20, campuses were closed in observance of MLK Day. The Lincoln campus hosted a Coffee and Conversation event where attendees could reflect on Dr. King's impact and watch virtual programming from the National Civil Rights Museum.
The week officially kicked off on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with a special MLK event celebrating his life and work.
Wednesday featured a webinar with Dalia Ruvalcaba on "Breaking Barriers: Mental Health and Suicide Awareness in BIPOC Communities". Ruvalcaba is the founder of the Omaha-based Radiant Counseling and the Therapists of Color Network. Additionally, volunteers read to elementary and intermediate school students in Crete. The day concluded with an MLK Vigil, featuring speaker Myeisha Essex, associate director at the YWCA in Lincoln.
On Thursday, Professor Eric Stearns ’03 led a hands-on art session, “The Story Through My Eyes,” where participants designed ceramic tiles inspired by personal stories and the theme of justice.
The week concluded on Friday with a powerful presentation, “A Time to Break the Silence,” by Dr. Jamar Dorsey ’20DE and Dr. Teresa Perkins ’12E, followed by a service project bundling books for literacy initiatives in Lincoln. Perkins is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program.
Doane’s MLK Week reinforced the importance of service, creativity, and reflection in continuing Dr. King’s vision.
