AU’s MLK Legacy Week Jan. 18-23 includes service, conversation, fellowship and more

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is holding a Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Week from Jan. 18-23, a week full of events bringing students, faculty, staff and the Ashland community together for service, conversation and fellowship while commemorating the American civil rights leader. Staff from AU’s Center for CommUNITY and Belonging are coordinating the celebration.

AU’s MLK Legacy Week begins with a special worship service with Five Stones Community Church on Sunday, Jan. 18, Jack and Deb Miller Chapel, at 10:30 a.m.

On MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 19, AU students have the opportunity to volunteer with a number of community partners from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The student-led organization AU GIVS (Ashland University Gets Involved with Volunteer Service) is coordinating the day’s service activities, and students can sign up to help here.

That evening will feature a virtual panel discussion on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring current and former Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) faculty William Myers, Ph.D., Marvin McMickle, Ph.D., and Otis Moss, Ph.D. Myers is currently a professor of New Testament and Black Church studies at ATS, with a special interest in Pauline studies, and also serves as a pastor at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland. McMickle is an ATS professor emeritus in homiletics, the author of 18 books and a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. Moss, who enjoyed a personal relationship with King, has a distinguished career as an advocate for the achievement of education, civil and human rights and social justice issues that includes 33 years as pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland and a spot on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta. Those interested in joining the ATS Legacy Panel can RSVP here.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the AU Office of Christian Ministry and Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host a Gospel Night, an evening of reflection, joy, worship and song. The event will take place at Jack and Deb Miller Chapel at 9 p.m.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, at noon, there will be a table talk on King’s legacy using one of his writings. This event, to be held in the ABCD conference rooms at Hawkins-Conard Student Center, is being organized by Ashland Center for Nonviolence and the AU Department of Religion.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, AU GIVS and the Department of Recreation & Wellness are co-hosting a blood drive from noon-4 p.m. at Redwood Hall.

On Friday night, Jan. 23, a Culture Fest is being planned at Redwood Hall from 7-9 p.m. The open house style event will include games, music and an opportunity to learn about other cultures and student organizations on campus, such as Black Student Alliance, Eagles for Pride, International Student Services, Unidad and Women of Excellence.

For more information, contact Alex Hill, director of the Center for CommUNITY and Belonging, at ahill13@ashland.edu or 419-207-6325.