TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2017) –The University of South Florida will celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during MLK Commemorative Week, held Jan. 13 - 20. The week of events is highlighted by a large-scale community service initiative and a free lecture featuring Alicia Garza, social activist and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter.
The celebration kicks off with Stampede of Service, an annual volunteer service initiative, at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, beginning at the USF Corbett Soccer Stadium. Nearly 2,000 students will give back to the community by participating in activities such as gardening, surveying, cleaning, painting and environmental cleanup at more than 65 area organizations. This year’s sites include the Tampa Heights Community Garden; American Diabetes Association; Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful; Animal Based Charities; University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc.; and the BAKAS Equestrian Center. The initiative is designed to engage students with current social issues as they reflect on the core values of King’s teachings: justice for all, strengthen communities, empower individuals and live your purpose. The students focus on these ideals as they experience the benefits of community service by sharing their time, skills and compassion.
The student-run University Lecture Series will host Garza at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) on Tuesday, Jan. 17 in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom. The student organizers of the event expect Garza to engage the audience in a discussion about race relations in America and how her organization’s activism became the national movement it is today, galvanizing individuals to stand together against violence, police brutality and social injustice. The lecture is free and open to the public on a limited first-come, first-served basis following priority seating for USF students.
Other events open to the public during USF’s MLK Commemorative Week include:
MLK Candlelight Vigil, 6 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, MLK Fountain Plaza.
Join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for this annual event.
MLK Dedication Luncheon, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, MSC Ballroom.
Attend this luncheon to reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.; seating is limited, RSVP by Jan. 18 at www.usf.edu/student-affairs/multicultural-affairs.
For more information or to view the full schedule, visit the MLK Commemorative Week website. Real time captioning will be provided for the ULS lecture; additional reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request by calling 813-974-1001 (FL Relay 711). For more information about the lecture series, including the audience policy, visit the ULS website.