MLK Holiday Observance
Each year Fairfield University convenes the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance Committee. This Committee is charged with creating a series of events that will invigorate the spirit and inspire all to continue on with the important work reflected in the words, writings, and actions of Dr. King.
2013 Observance
The theme for 2013 is "The time is always right to do what is right." The University's 2013 observance will take place from Tuesday, January 29-Friday, February 1 and features Diane Nash, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement who was chairperson of the student sit-in movement in Nashville, Tennessee and who In 1961 coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham, Alabama, to Jackson, Mississippi.
The theme for 2013 is "The time is always right to do what is right." The University's 2013 observance will take place from Tuesday, January 29-Friday, February 1 and features Diane Nash, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement who was chairperson of the student sit-in movement in Nashville, Tennessee and who In 1961 coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham, Alabama, to Jackson, Mississippi.
 |   Fairfield's 2013 MLK Convocation features Diane Nash, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement |
Schedule of Events
See the flyer with the week's events.
Thursday, January 17
Poetry for Peace
6 p.m. in the Kelley Center Presentation RoomMonday, January 21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Themed dinner in the Main Dining RoomTuesday, January 29
Memorial March
4:30 p.m. Walk starts at the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius LoyolaIn the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, the Memorial March will guide participants around campus to various physical locations where acts of hatred and/or demonstrations for justice have taken place throughout Fairfield's history - from the 1960s to present day. At each location, there will be a reflection on the event along with a song, poem or prayer. The March will end at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library where an exhibit, the Body of Belief, of Religious clothing that has been banned throughout the world will be on display. A reception will follow.Wednesday, January 30
Student Service Project
4 p.m. at the Leslie C. Quick Recreation ComplexThursday, January 31
Convocation featuring a conversation with Diane Nash and students moderated by Dr. Yohuru Williams
3 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the ArtsVision Awards Dinner
6 p.m. at the John A. Barone Campus Center, Oak RoomFriday, February 1
Youth Leadership Academy
9 a.m. in the John A. Barone Campus Center, Oak RoomMLK Convocation Featuring Diane Nash
A pioneer of the Civil Rights MovementNash's involvement in the nonviolent movement began in 1959 while she was a student at Fisk University. In 1960 she became the chairperson of the student sit-in movement in Nashville, Tennessee, the first southern city to desegregate its lunch counters, as well as one of the founding students of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee.In 1961 she coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham, Alabama, to Jackson, Mississippi, a story which was documented in the recent PBS American Experience film Freedom Riders.Her many arrests for her civil rights activities culminated in Nash being imprisoned for 30 days in 1961, while she was pregnant with her first child. Undeterred, she went on to join a national committee, to which she was appointed by President John F. Kennedy, that promoted passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Nash later became active in the peace movement that worked to end the Vietnam War, and became an instructor in the philosophy and strategy of non-violence as developed by Mohandas Gandhi.
Contact Information
Dr. Ellen Umansky
Professor, Religious Studies
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2065
Professor, Religious Studies
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2065
Fred J. Kuo
Associate Director, University Activities
(203) 254-4000 ext. 3733
Associate Director, University Activities
(203) 254-4000 ext. 3733
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