January 16-21, 2012
Join us for the Martin Luther King Jr Week for Peace: a week of events to commemorate his life and legacy, and all past and present leaders for social change. Inspired by the social, economic, and political climate of our time, this year we ask of you, "when push comes to shove: where will you stand?" This theme helps us to reflect on Dr. King's teachings, reminding us that "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."
The MLK Week for Peace is coordinated by the DREAM Team, a coalition of staff and students from four local universities Xavier, Tulane, Loyola and Dillard. All events are free and open to the public.
Note: Buses will depart from in front of the following locations 30 minutes before each event:
Tulane and Loyola - Tulane Law School on Freret St.
Dillard -University's main entrance gate
Xavier-Katherine Drexel
Week for Peace Convocation 2012: Dr. Steve Perry
"Revolutionizing Education in America"
Xavier University Center: Mary and William McCaffrey Ballroom
Thursday, January 19, 2012
5:30 p.m. (Light Reception ), 6:30 p.m. (Convocation )
Featured in CNN's Black in America series, Dr. Perry is the most talked about innovative educator on the scene today. Perry is the founder and principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100% of its low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its inception in 2004. Perry’s career has taken him from directing a grassroots organization in Chester, PA to a full scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, back to his hometown of Middletown, CT where he ran a homeless shelter, became a candidate for state representative and published his first of four books …all before he turned 26!
He has authored five books, his latest, Push Has Come To Shove: Getting Our Kids The Education They Deserve – Even If It Means Picking a Fight, focuses on the state of urban education in America. Perry offers the why's, what’s and finally the how solutions for closing the achievement gap; his theories are exemplified in his own school.
In addition to being the principal of Capital Prep, the only year-round PK – 12th grade school in the country, Dr. Perry is currently the Education Contributor for CNN. He is also a nationally sought after speaker, appearing on over 200 radio and television stations in the past three years including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox.
Do something GREAT on Janurary 21, 2012
MLK Day of Serivce, 8AM-3PM
Loyola University Recreation Complex
"I AM New Orleans...Initating a Movement!"
Answer Dr. King's question of "What are you doing for others?" by joining over800 students in making a regular Saturday "a day ON" by giving back to New Orleans. Honor Dr. King's legacy, our great city and make new friends by working along side students from Dillard, Tulane, Xavier and Loyola!
Volunteers will be assigned based on the community's needs to one of over 20 different service projects! Our projects will include: wetland restoration, energy efficiency, school & neighborhood revitalization, education, celebration of the arts, local culture, and more! The MLK Day of Service bridges barriers, supports local residents, and promotes solutions to social problems, thus moving us closer to Dr. King's vision of a beloved community.
What are you waiting for? Make Saturday January 21st, not a day off, but a day on and learn about what you can do for your city throughout the year.
Interfaith Service
Monday, January 16, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
Dillard University, Lawless Chapel
Expressions of Unity & Step Off
Friday, January 20, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Tulane University, McAlister Auditorium
Dream Celebration After Party
Friday, January 20, 2012, 9:00 p.m.
Loyola University, Danna Center- St. Charles Room
(valid college ID required for admission)
Our History
The committee was established in 1987 as a consortium between Dillard (1999), Loyola (1991), Tulane (1987) and Xavier (1987) universities. Each year, we sponsor a week-long series of events including: an interfaith service, a convocation featuring a guest speaker, student and community forums, tributes to students and outstanding community leaders, collaborative community service projects, and culminating the series of events with a candlelight march and unity celebration. The series of events are sponsored annually to commemorate, celebrate and reflect on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of collective work and social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information please contact us at mlkjr.dayofservice_gmail.com or contact your university directly.
Dillard: 504.816.4685
Loyola: 504.864.7098
Tulane: 504.865.5181
Xavier: 504.520.5450