top of page
Writer's pictureJohn E. Girton, Jr.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin University Honors and Continues the Legacy Dr. King



This day and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is very special to Martin University. It is no coincidence that Martin University was in part named after Dr. King in honor of the high-level of importance he placed on education, particularly for the underserved, undervalued, and underrepresented.

One of Dr. King’s most famous quotes is “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”


I submit that as a nation, we must bring those words to life and ensure that intelligence plus character are front and center.


It is no secret that we have been ravaged by two pandemics. One is related to the mortality, health, and safety of all Americans, and the other is the continuing saga of inequity and racial injustice that has plagued our nation in many ways and forms for over 400 years.


On the latter, just as the unjust murder of Emmett Till in 1955 inspired Dr. King to establish and lead the Civil Rights movement, We rose in unity in 2020 to decry the murder of George Floyd and others whose lives were cut short by racial injustice.


And just as Dr. King organized and led efforts to ensure that everyone had the right to vote over 60 years ago, American’s showed up at the polls in record numbers in 2020.


Unfortunately, some still choose to try and sew discord, hate, inequity, and injustice into the fabric of our country. In honor of Dr. King and all others who fought so hard for equity, equality, freedom, and unity, their legacy must prevail. Like Dr. King, we must not let those who try to deter progress shake our resolve.


Martin University’s new National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion will help honor and continue the important work of Dr. King. We’ll work with businesses, individuals, and communities to develop sustainable practices and plans that help resolve the persistent gaps that create racial inequity and injustice. We invite everyone to join us in this important work and look forward to your partnership.


On behalf of a very grateful university, I thank you for listening and for your continued stewardship of Dr. King’s legacy.

141 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page