Gardner-Webb University Plans Events in Recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating life with art.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Department of Visual Arts, in conjunction with Student Life and Services, will open an exhibit on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20 in the Pouryousefi Gallery in Tucker Student Center.  

The display is part of the University’s celebration of King’s legacy. The focus will be on King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and how the speech helped to change Gardner-Webb and the world. In addition to photographs, there will be written reflections from members of the GWU community and contributions of photos and writings from GWU students. Images will also include other civil rights leaders. 

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. 

Additionally, the Dimensions program on Jan. 21 at 9:25 a.m. in Tucker Student Center will include a tribute to King by guest speaker, Darrick Smith, a senior consultant for Collegiate Partnerships with N.C. Baptists.  

“As I reflect on my collegiate experience and how God radically changed my life during my sophomore year at North Carolina Central University (NCCU),” Smith stated. “I can’t help but to praise God and thank him for men like Martin Luther King Jr. You see, NCCU is a Historically Black College and University that was founded to train young African American men and women for mission work during a time when African Americans were enslaved and stripped of their rights to learn how to read and write. Men like Martin Luther King Jr. fought continuously for the equality and dignity of African Americans like myself.  In my eyes, he’s a hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for the grace of God through Martin Luther King Jr.” 

The Dimensions program also begins the annual Celebration Week at Gardner-Webb, with services led by Smith on Thursday at 9:25 a.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Tucker Student Center. All programs are free and open to the public.