Wentz Science Center and Kiekhofer Hall
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The public and the entire North Central College community are invited to attend events to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year's theme, "Normalcy, Never Again!" focuses on Dr. King's goals of peace and justice.
11 a.m. Welcome
Join us for a warm MLK Day welcome and a soul-stirring performance by North Central’s own student choral group Voices of Praise. Let's kick off this special day with unity, reflection, and the uplifting power of music.
11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Teach-in Session 1
Listen, learn and engage in conversations about race, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion:
The Psychology of Black Girls: No, We Don't Have an Attitude.
Presenter: DeJanae Phillips '23, graduate student
Room: 101
Explore the intersection of culture and psychology in this enlightening session. While psychology is instrumental in understanding mental health and development, it often operates through a predominantly white lens, inadvertently perpetuating stereotypes. This session aims to spotlight the significant contributions Black individuals have made to the field of psychology and shed light on the repercussions of cultural incompetence and stereotypes.
Specifically, we will delve into the impact of these issues on Black women, who are at risk of incorrect diagnoses due to systemic biases. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of cultural perspectives in psychology, fostering a greater understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in mental health practices. Together, we'll explore avenues for creating a more culturally competent and equitable approach within the realm of psychology.
Turning Words into Action: A Workshop on Inclusion and Equity
Presenter: Jennifer Shah, assistant professor of education
Room: 104
In his book, "The Inclusive Mindset," author and activist Justin Jones-Fosu highlights ways to make inclusion and equity actionable in our lives instead of just something that we talk about or engage in slacktivism with. Professor Shah will focus specifically on Chapter 5, titled "Circles of Grace: Why we see people and events the way we do and what to do about it." This session will briefly review the ideas in the chapter and then include discussion and exercises for the audience to participate in. The new year is a perfect opportunity for all of us to set new goals regarding equity and inclusion and how to move both forward in our personal and professional lives.
Roots and Respect: Acknowledging the Land We Stand On
Presenter: Raygn Jordan ‘24, undergraduate student
Room: 254
Explore the call for a transformative shift in values from a material-focused to a people-centric society. Echoing Rev. Dr. King's advocacy for prioritizing people over profit and property, this theme aligns with the spirit of Land Acknowledgments. These acknowledgments aim to honor and recognize the Indigenous peoples whose land we inhabit, emphasizing a collective commitment to valuing people over possessions.
NCC Sankofa: Exploring and Understanding Our Past to Empowering Our Futures
Presenters: Tahbata Zuniga Diaz ‘24 and Jaydon Brown ‘25, undergraduate students
Room: Stevenson Hall
Discover firsthand the transformative student experiences on the NCC Sankofa trip! Join us to hear compelling stories of cultural exploration and personal growth as Tahbata and Jaydon share their journeys. Additionally, learn how to be part of this enriching experience and contribute to the tapestry of shared wisdom. Don't miss this opportunity to explore, learn, and connect—be inspired to join this exclusive opportunity for students.
Harmony of Change: Marian Anderson, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Power of Music
Presenters: Henry Pleas, adjunct instructor of music; Susan Chou, assistant professor of music
Room: Koten Chapel
Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Marian Anderson's iconic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, orchestrated by Eleanor Roosevelt to protest racial discrimination. Discover how 10-year-old Martin Luther King Jr. was profoundly impacted by this event, leading to the realization of his dream manifested in the historic "March on Washington" in 1963.
Join Henry Pleas and Susan Chou in an experiential presentation featuring music from these transformative moments. The session includes insightful commentary on how each person can challenge norms that contradict our values and contribute to positive change using their unique gifts.
Explore the intersection of music, history, and social justice as we delve into the enduring legacy of Marian Anderson and Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial. This experiential session encourages us to reject "normalcies" that go against our principles and embrace truths that stand for what is good and right.