This year's theme, "The Art of Non-Conformity: Making the World Better" invites us to reflect on and celebrate as a community both our history and how we contribute to the world around us. In 105 Dartmouth Hall on the evening of May 23, 1962, standing ovations welcomed Dr. King to the podium. His lecture on the state of the civil rights movement was the highlight of that year's Great Issues course, then a core academic component for all seniors. King's words profoundly influenced those who attended the lecture. That was 51 years ago and this year's events will give us the opportunity to both look back and look forward to see the impact of people being bold and expressing themselves while serving others.
Dr. King inspired people in many ways to take action and practice the art of non-conformity in both subtle and direct ways. This year at Dartmouth we are celebrating the year of arts, BADA's (Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association) 40th year as a college organization and the 40th year of co-education. Artists throughout time and all people regardless of race or gender having access to quality education significantly make the world better. In a recent episode of PBS' American Voices, our Keynote, Katori Hall, stated, "I am not a politician. I am a playwright. I do not feign thinking that I can create policy that will change the world. But I can create stories that can move people, hopefully move people to action, but mostly move people to just having a more open heart, which I think is the first step towards action." We each need to ask ourselves how do we do this in our own lives, motivate ourselves and others to take action that is value added!
Participating in the many events and programs being offered on campus during these few weeks in January will give you opportunities to reflect, learn and celebrate Dr. King's legacy and life with a broad range of members from the Upper Valley community. You can view a detailed schedule of events at www.dartmouth.edu/~mlk. Whether you are a student, employee, alum or a local community member, please note that campus leaders and organizers welcome and encourage you to participate in all facets of the 2013 Celebration. Your presence will make a difference.
Gabrielle Lucke, Chair, 2013 MLK Celebration Committee
Kristen Aloisio
Jalil M. Bishop ’14
Saidah K. Bishop '16
Christine Crabb ’90
Simone-Claire Delevett
Dia Draper
Tracy Dustin-Eichler
Margaret Lawrence
Linda Martin
Shawn O’Leary
Stephanie Pacheco
Lorin Parker
Maghan Porter
Rodrigo Ramirez '06
Elise M. Smith ’13
Sarah Sinclair
Molly St. Sauveur
