Carnegie Mellon University

January 11, 2018

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community:

Happy New Year and welcome to the spring semester! As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to peace, equality and inclusion, we are called to reaffirm these ideals throughout our campus community.

Diversity and inclusion remains at the core of our mission, and the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion has collaborated with campus partners to share a robust schedule of lectures, discussions, performances and service projects that will take place in the coming weeks.

These events provide an opportunity for all members of the campus community to engage with one another on issues of diversity and inclusion:

  • The 19th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Awards
    Monday, Jan. 15, 4:30 p.m., Rangos Ballroom, Cohon University Center (CUC)
    The ceremony will feature live readings from this year’s recipients and musical performances by students from the College of Fine Arts.

  • MLK Day of Service
    Tuesday, Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m., Danforth Conference Room, CUC
    Please join fellow CMU community members for a signature service project focusing on challenges facing the homeless. The bagged lunch project will benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission’s Emergency Shelter Program.

  • “Race, Culture and Politics in the Age of New Media,” Discussion with Damon Young
    Thursday, Jan. 25, 4:30 p.m., McConomy Auditorium, CUC
    Mr. Young is the CEO of VerySmartBrothas, a columnist for GQ.com and a founding editor of 1839. 

  • MLK Keynote: Dr. Carol Anderson: “Reframing Conversations about Race: The Unspoken Truth.”

    Tuesday, Feb. 13, 4:30 p.m., McConomy Auditorium, CUC
    Dr. Anderson’s research and teaching focuses on ways that domestic and international policies intersect through the issues of race, justice and equality in the United States.

  • Deliberative Forum: Free Speech, Inclusion & Campus Policy
    Saturday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rangos 1&2, CUC
    A structured dialogue about freedom of speech and expression taking into account the interplay of rights and responsibilities within institutions of higher education. Lunch will be provided.

Countless partners across the university have come together to create these meaningful opportunities to honor Dr. King’s call to pursue justice, promote peace and serve others. A full schedule of events is available at www.cmu.edu/mlk.

Sincerely,

Laurie R. Weingart, Interim Provost
Gina Casalegno, Dean of Students and VP for Student Affairs