Gardner-Webb Programs Highlight Service to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Week of Activities Includes Volunteering to Help Charlotte Area Agencies

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known for his ideals and leadership, but he was above all, a servant. According to the Nobel Foundation, King traveled over 6 million miles from 1957 to 1968 and spoke over 2,500 times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action. For these endeavors, he was arrested more than 20 times, assaulted at least four times, and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

As the nation prepares to celebrate and honor his life, Gardner-Webb University will join the commemoration by remembering the Civil Rights leader with programs and a day of service.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Lawrence Brinson planned the activities. He noted, “Each year, the third Monday of January marks MLK Day to honor the civil rights leader’s work and legacy to end racism, social injustices and all forms of discrimination. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a commemoration; it’s a call to action.”

On this day, Brinson continued, we are challenged to reflect on what we can do to affect change and build a better world for the next generation. “‘I Have a Dream’ reminds us that the fight for equity and justice doesn’t end; it simply evolves,” Brinson affirmed. “As we commemorate his life on Monday, let’s remember his challenge to each of us to eliminate racism and to work every day through our words and actions to end hatred in all forms.”

Thursday, Jan. 12

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, Hope Hall, Tucker Student Center. Pastor Jairus Strong of Destiny Life Center will lead the program to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A reception follows.

Friday, Jan. 13

Day of Service Drop-In

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Room 304, Tucker Student Center. Stop by the Tucker Student Center  to receive information about upcoming service opportunities on MLK Day, Jan. 16.

Monday, Jan. 16

Day of Service – Volunteer in support of local community organizations to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s dedication and commitment to justice, service, and equity.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

National Day of Racial Healing

A time to reflect and heal. On this day, individuals, organizations, and communities are encouraged to come together to explore their common humanity and build the relationships necessary to create a more just and equitable world. During Dimensions at 9:25 a.m., Chris Gash, lead pastor of New Ellis Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C., will speak on King’s lasting impact. Gash is a three-time graduate of GWU, where he starred on the men’s basketball team. Most recently, he earned his Doctor of Ministry.

Opportunities for service

Brinson offered the following list of suggestions for serving others, which will also be presented to Gardner-Webb students this week. “King lived his life serving others,” Brinson asserted “He once said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’ On MLK Day, millions of Americans honor Dr. King’s legacy by coming together for a national day of service and dialogue. Make it a day on, not a day off. I encourage you to find or host an MLK Day opportunity near you.”

Communities in Schools

Community Kitchen at Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain. To volunteer, call the church at 704-739-2471.

Feeding Kids Cleveland County

Girls on the Run

Habitat for Humanity

Hospice Cleveland County

Keep Shelby Beautiful Inc. – Email [email protected].

Find more events and volunteer opportunities at Charlotte MLK Day of Service.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.