Columbus State offers annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in week of virtual events Jan. 25-29

“A Walk Through History – Connecting the Past with the Present” is a weeklong celebration honoring civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by commemorating his life and career. With classes not beginning until after the official holiday, Columbus State has scheduled a week of virtual events after the start of the semester.

Monday, January 25 at 6 p.m. – As a Matter of Black
Donte Woods-Spikes is a filmmaker, community activism storyteller, and recent Columbus State student. A discussion with Woods-Spikes will follow a viewing of one of his films.

Tuesday, January 26 at 1 p.m. – Wellbeing as a Lifelong Journey
Dr. Nichole Bowman-Glover will provide a presentation on the importance of wellbeing at home and work. Bowman-Glover is the coordinator for Columbus State’s Wellness Program.

Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m. – Community Conversation on Equity
Recent incidents across the nation and in Columbus have raised many questions about the role of identity, power, and influence in how people are treated within society. Join a panel of Columbus State leaders as they discuss plans for enhancing equity efforts to improve practices and extend support to all community members.

Wednesday, January 27 at 10 a.m. – Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Celebration
Benjamin Crump, a local civil rights attorney, will be the keynote speaker. Known by the nickname “Black America’s Attorney General,” Crump has established himself as one of the foremost lawyers and advocates for social justice. The celebration will include a musical performance from Unity, welcoming remarks from Columbus State President David Harrison, and a presentation of the Columbus State 2020 Visionary Dreamer Award and the George Floyd Honorary Scholarship.

Wednesday, January 27 at 6 p.m. – Student Voices on the Current Climate
Join representatives of Columbus State's Black Student Union as they engage in an open discussion on recent events and ultimately consider, "Where do we go from here?" Topics will range from Black Lives Matter to the storming of the nation's Capital, and all that's in between.

Thursday, January 28 at noon – ONIONomics: Financial Empowerment
Stacey Burke is the president and CEO of Restorative Financial Services and The ONIONomics Financial Wellness Program. Burke will discuss how students and community members can use their most difficult traumas as a springboard for rewriting a new financial narrative for generations to come.

Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. – Art of Activism
Celebrated vocalist and songwriter Quan Howell, a national recording artist and featured Columbus Jazz Orchestra singer, joins Columbus State students to offer performative art in the spirit of civil rights awareness and activism.

Access to all virtual events will be available from www.cscc.edu/mlk. Look for updated access details as they become available. All events are free of charge and open to the public. (Attendance limits may apply.)