Augustana to celebrate life, legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Augustana College's annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy will take place Jan. 20-24. The theme of the event is "Continuing the Legacy: Service, Justice and Action."

Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Gauri A. Pitale said the Augustana community will mark the celebration with a variety of events in honor of King’s inspirational leadership. Events include a panel discussion with community members, a community book drive, social justice poster-making and a discussion by Augustana 1971 alumnus Dave Markward on his memoir "From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America."

"Dr. King’s visionary leadership and tireless advocacy paved the way for transformative legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965," said Dr. Pitale. “"Today, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads, where reflecting on our progress is as essential as committing to the work that still lies ahead. Dr. King's legacy reminds us that the pursuit of equity and justice is a journey that requires both courage and collective action."

The Jan. 20 keynote panel discussion, "Empowering Communities and Shaping Our Future," will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Gerber Center for Student Life. Panelists include community leaders whose work exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service, justice and empowerment.

Panelists include:

• Avery Pearl '18, coordinator, West End Revitalization, MLK Center

• Tee LeShoure, community violence intervention and engagement director, Family Resources; founder, Tee It Up; president, QC Pride Board

• Julie Larson, president and CEO, YWCA Quad Cities

• Jen Osing '14, executive director, World Relief Quad Cities

The event will be moderated by Dr. Wolff, professor of religion at Augustana. 

View the full schedule of events: 2025 MLK Day celebration schedule.

MLK Week is sponsored by Augustana’s Diversity Council and Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, in partnership with the Reading/Writing Center, Office of Student Life and Leadership, Thomas Tredway Library, Department of Education, Asian Student Organization, Black Student Union, Delta Omega Nu, Latinx Unidos, the Student Government Association and other student organizations.