Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Week
Monday, January 20, 2025-
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Address:
Ashland University
401 College Ave
Ashland, OH 44805
Ashland University is holding a Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Week from Jan. 20-25, a week full of events bringing students, faculty, staff and the Ashland community together for service, conversation and fellowship while commemorating the American civil rights leader. Staff from AU’s Center for CommUNITY and Belonging are coordinating the celebration, and the events are open to the public.
On MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 20, AU students will be volunteering from 8:30 a.m.-noon, with a number of community partners. The student-led organization AU GIVS (Ashland University Gets Involved with Volunteer Service) is coordinating the day’s service activities, and students can sign up to help here.
The evening of MLK Day, AU will welcome Rickey Bolden, a visionary leader and member of the AU Board of Trustees who will present a keynote speech about his unifying work as a Brethren pastor and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It will take place at the Student Center Auditorium inside the Hawkins-Conard Student Center at 7 p.m.
Bolden grew up in a single-parent home and violent environment in Dallas, Texas, but escaped by earning a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University. He excelled there and went on to play for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns for seven seasons. During his time as a professional athlete, he responded to God’s calling, enrolled in Ashland Theological Seminary and retired to pursue full-time ministry. After graduating from the seminary, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he has spent the bulk of his career in various roles as a pastor and community leader. Bolden currently serves there with Discipleship Work, which mentors underserved youth, and he also hosts weekly Bible studies with a number of Congressmen.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the AU Office of Christian Ministry will host a Gospel Night, an evening of reflection, joy and worship. The event, to be held at Redwood Hall at 9 p.m., will feature The AFRXNTS and a band consisting of members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, there will be a panel discussion on Civil Rights and the Church at the ATS Chapel (910 Center St.) at noon. The featured panelists consist of Yvonne Glass, Ph.D., executive dean of ATS; Peter Slade, Ph.D., professor of religion at AU; and David Graetz, former chief of chaplain services at Lexington VA Health Care System. The moderator will be Jayne Wilcox, assistant professor of theology.
On Friday night, Jan. 24, a Culture Fest is being planned for Redwood Hall at 7 p.m. The open house style event will include music, complementary food and an opportunity to learn about other cultures and student organizations on campus, such as Black Student Alliance, Eagles for Pride, International Student Services, Unidad and Women of Excellence.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the athletics department will hold moments of silence to reflect on MLK at each home event in men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and diving and track and field.
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