Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 13, 2021)

Dear Colleagues,

For 28 years, volunteers from across our campus and the surrounding community have come together to work towards creating positive change throughout metropolitan Detroit to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

This year, our annual day of service is scheduled for Monday, January 18. Beginning on this day -- and lasting the entire week -- there will be several opportunities to volunteer in our community, learn from each other and honor Dr. King’s work for equality, justice and civil rights. There is still time to register for these virtual service events. 

Also taking place on Monday is the University of Michigan Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium with over 40 associated events. The U-M symposium will feature a keynote address from UM-Dearborn professor emerita Gloria House. More information on other UM-Dearborn specific events is available at MLK Week of Events.

I am proud of our earnest, robust and special tradition to recognize Dr. King and his legacy. In his memory, this is a day to pause and contemplate the content and importance of character. I encourage everyone to participate, learn and reflect rather than to treat this day as “business as usual,” especially in scheduling meetings or attending to tasks that could be done at different times.  

Although the arc of the universe is long and we hope that it bends toward justice, it is up to us to shepherd its direction and hasten its arrival. While volunteering on a service project or participating in any of the other events, I hope we consider how to make a difference to promote social justice, equity and opportunity. We will all have a brighter future if we continue to work together for the common good.

Go Blue - Go Dearborn!

Domenico Grasso
Chancellor