Cornell College plans MLK Week 2025 events

January 13, 2025

Join the Intercultural Life (ICL) Office in celebrating the life, legacy, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Martin Luther King Jr at Cornell College in 1962
Martin Luther King Jr. at Cornell College in 1962.

Events begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 20, and are open to the public.

Events for MLK Week 2025:

Monday, Jan. 20 

  • Day of Service, projects on the Orange Carpet, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Join the ICL Office and the Office of Student Activities in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King through multiple community service projects. In collaboration with the Southeast Linn Community Center, these service projects will provide Cardiac Huggy-Heart pillows for University of Iowa heart surgery patients and Icy-Dicey sand bottles for the assisted living patients to sprinkle on the ground for safely walking around during the winter in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities.

  • Vigil, starting in the Thomas Commons lobby, 5–6 p.m.

Join the ICL Office and the Spiritual Life Office in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Led by the Rev. Melea White, the vigil will begin near the information desk in the Thomas Commons and end at Allee Chapel.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 

  • Civil Rights Walk-Through Symposium, Orange Carpet, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Join the ICL office in this self-directed walk-through symposium on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement and considerations for civil rights in our everyday lives.

  • Mountaintop Mentality Affirmation Crafts, Orange Carpet, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Join ICL and the Ebersole Wellness crew for a paint-and-go canvas craft using quotes from Dr. King to inspire your affirmations toward reimagining community. 

Wednesday, Jan. 22: 

  • BIPOC Mental Health Discussion Forum, Hedges, 6:30–8 p.m.

Join ICL and the Ebersole Wellbeing crew for a discussion forum in the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement theme “We shall overcome.” We will be discussing overcoming adversity through radical healing and thriving mental health. 

Thursday, Jan. 23: 

  • Breaking Bread, 5:15–6:30 p.m., Ringer Dining Room

Join ICL and Spiritual Life for dinner before the spoken word event for a rich discussion about building community. Grab dinner from Bon Appétit and meet in Ringer.

  • In OUR Own Words, spoken word event in Zamora’s Lounge, 7–8:30 p.m.

Join ICL, BACO, Lyrically Inclined, and alum Henry Morray ’23 for a special night of spoken word poetry inspired by the legacy of Dr. King. Open mic opportunities will also be available. Please email to RSVP for an open mic slot as space will be limited.