MLK Week of Action
To commemorate and take action upon Dr. King's vision for peace and justice, Stetson University's Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Office of Religious and Spiritual Life are partnering with local organizations to host a series of events - both on- and off-campus - coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in mid-January.
All events are open to students, faculty, and staff, though some events require pre-registration to attend. More information on each event is below.
Stay tuned for updates on event details!
MLK Celebration Gala & Awards Banquet (tickets required for entry)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sanborn Center in DeLand (815 S Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724)
Cultural Credit Event
Tickets are required for entry! RSVP by Jan 16.
Kicking off MLK Week of Action this year, the Celebration Gala is planned by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee and is supported by Stetson University through the Office of the President, the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m., with a keynote address by Stetson's Chaplain, Rev. Todd Campbell. The attire will be formal. Cultural Credit event. This event is free for Stetson students, faculty, and staff to attend, although seating is limited and tickets are required. Register here to secure your seat.
Annual MLK Unity March
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meet outside the Museum of Art - DeLand (600 N. Woodland Blvd. - just across from Emily Hall)
Join hundreds of local community members in the annual MLK Unity March, coordinated by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee. Participants are encouraged to bring banners and signs that reflect their commitment to Dr. King's vision of economic and racial justice. The March will proceed from the Museum at 10:45 a.m., travel through downtown DeLand, and conclude at Earl Brown Park (approximately one mile away) by 11:45 a.m., in time for the annual MLK Festival that will begin at noon.
Annual MLK Festival
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Earl Brown Park (750 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand)
Join hundreds of local community members at the annual MLK Festival, coordinated by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee, which will feature family-friendly live performances, local business and non-profit activity booths, food trucks, and more!
PAUSE for Beloved Community: Remembering Dr. King
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Student Lounge 280 (Carlton Union Building, 131 E Minnesota Ave., DeLand)
Cultural Credit Event
Take time to PAUSE with the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life for reflection, connection, and encouragement. Refresh your soul, connect in the community, and leave with renewed hope.
Things We Don't Talk About At Dinner
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lee's Garage 261 (Carlton Union Building, 131 E Minnesota Ave., DeLand)
Cultural Credit Event
Talking about race is hard, so let's learn how to do so - together! Rather than relying on talking points, we hear in the news media and politics, this event encourages participants to think for themselves and learn from one another with curiosity instead of judgment. Join the Center for Civic and Community Engagement for thought-provoking questions, small-group discussion, and delicious food catered by Moe's. Seating is limited to the first 40 people who attend, so arrive a few minutes early to get your seat.
MLK Life & Legacy Celebration (tickets required for entry)
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stetson Room 230 (Carlton Union Building, 131 E Minnesota Ave., DeLand)
Cultural Credit Event
Tickets are required for entry! Please RSVP by Jan. 13!
Please join the Office of Diversity & Inclusion as we offer our unique contribution to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a powerful leader who inspired a nation to embrace justice, equality, and unity. Together, we will honor his vision of hope and continue the journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Let’s come together in reflection, celebration, and action.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. MLK Days of Service: Hatter Harvest Garden Clean-Up – Rinker Environmental Learning Center – Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through service at our clean-up of the Hatter Harvest Garden (230 E Michigan Ave., by the LBC and Gillespie Museum). Bring comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, and wear close-toed shoes. Gloves and supplies will be provided. Cultural Credit event. Register today for the Hatter Harvest Garden Clean-Up
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., MLK Days of Service: Stetson Aquatic Center Clean-Up – Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center – Honor Dr. King through service at our clean-up of the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (2636 Alhambra Ave., DeLand – about a 10-minute drive from campus). Bring comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, and wear close-toed shoes. Gloves and supplies will be provided. Cultural Credit event. Register today for the Stetson Aquatic Center Clean-Up