Where do we go from here? Leading with Courage

VALPARAISO – Valparaiso University will host a day of discussions and presentations in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. The events are free and open to the public. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Harre Union.

“This year’s theme is inspired by Dr. King’s final publication “Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community,” said Deondra Devitt, executive director of human resources and co-chair of the MLK Day committee. “As a campus and country, I think it’s important that we reflect on MLK’s message. As a campus community we can be the change that we desire to see in our community, campus, country and world.”

This year’s Convocation speaker will be Abdullah Hasan Pratt, M.D., Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Dr. Pratt’s upbringing and firsthand experience with the health challenges faced by many residents of Chicago’s Southside have deeply influenced his career and his commitment to advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. Dr. Pratt will address attendees at the Convocation Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of the Resurrection.

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a variety of focus sessions in the Harre Union from 9:30 to 11 a.m. These sessions include community-centered topics, including “The Role of Government and Elected Leaders in Championing Community,” “Collective Courage: Uniting for Social Justice and Community,” “New Town, New Friends: Service as a Way to Create Community.”

Additional sessions include “We Are Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams: Black America’s Legacy in Latinx Communities,” where Hip-hop artist Olmeca will explore the intersections between non-Black Latinos and African Americans in forging collective strength amidst shared struggles. Another session, “It’s Giving Fam–Community in Social Media,” will focus on the role of social media in fostering conversation and community.

A viewing of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Harre Union, followed by Convocation at 1 p.m. For more information on the event, visit valpo.edu/mlk.

About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is an independent, Doctoral/Professional University with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Nearly 2,600 students and 250 full-time faculty comprise a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom and faith. Valpo is nationally recognized for
the quality and innovative character of its academic programs. Valparaiso University offers more than 70 undergraduate programs through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing and Health Professions and Christ College — The Honors College. Valpo also has more than 20 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and
Continuing Education.