“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King
“The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr.”, p.124, Univ of California Press
Penn State University Park
49th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet – Keep the Movement in Motion
Monday, January 15, 2024
What: The 49th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet will be held Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State’s University Park campus. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Penn State’s Forum on Black Affairs will host the banquet to celebrate a week of commemoration focused on the theme “Keep the Movement in Motion.” Join FOBA for a buffet dinner and cash bar, performances, recognition of the 2024 Forum of Black Affairs Humanitarian Award and student scholarship winners, and dancing.
When: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University Park Campus
Tickets: Are available for purchase at $110 for individuals and $1000 for a table of 10. Ticket prices exclude the additional taxes and processing fees charged by Ticketmaster. These additional charges will be assessed separately during the checkout process. Banquet tickets for the general public can be purchased online at https://am.ticketmaster.com/psubjc/.
Penn State units or departments looking to purchase via internal funds transfer, please contact the Bryce Jordan Center at 814-865-5555 or bjcticketcenter@psu.edu.
Sponsored by the Forum on Black Affairs (FOBA) and Penn State Educational Equity
MLK Jr., On Campus Day of Service
Monday, January 15, 2024
What: Service-related events
When: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: HUB Alumni Hall, Heritage Hall, and various locations in the HUB for in-house service events.
Sponsored by Student Leadership and Involvement Team
Evening Celebration – Guest Speaker: Solidad O’Brien
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
UPDATE: This event will be rescheduled. More information will be made available.
What: Through the transformative power of storytelling, Solidad O’Brien brings a fresh perspective on diverse and contemporary issues to foster change in your own community or organization. [ More Information ]
When: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Press time begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Where: HUB Heritage Hall (pending)
Sponsored by Student Leadership and Involvement Team in partnership with UPUA and SPA
Peace March
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
UPDATE: We regret to inform you that the Paul Robeson Cultural Center Peace March scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th in collaboration with State College Borough has been canceled due to the inclement weather forecasted and freezing temperatures. However, the Celebration Reception in the Hub-Robeson Center (Lions Lair) at 4:00 PM will still resume. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to seeing you at the Celebration Reception.
What: The Peach March, hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center in collaboration with the State College Borough, embraces the support of our student body and campus community. Commencing at the MLK Jr. Plaza, the march is a symbolic journey culminating at the HUB-Robeson Center’s Lions Lair for the Celebration Ceremony. This uplifting event will feature captivating student performances and inspiring speeches. We invite you to join us in solidarity as we march for unity, carrying forward the legacy of Dr. King’s timeless movement.
The Celebration Ceremony will be comprised of student performances and speeches. Light food will be served. [ RSVP is requested in advance. ]
When: 2:00 p.m. (March will begin at 2:30 p.m.)
Where: Martin Luther King Plaza downtown State College and culminating at the HUB-Robeson Center’s Lions Lair for the Celebration Ceremony at 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Paul Robeson Cultural Center and State College Borough
Penn State Sustainability Short Films
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
What: Penn State Sustainability will be showing a variety of short films as a part of its ongoing Intersections Film Series Program. The films, under the Landscapes of Labor theme, are being screened in collaboration with The Center for Global Workers’ Rights and will highlight issues of labor injustice, specifically issues surrounding waste workers.
When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: The screening is free and entirely online. Register to attend via the Intersections Film Program website.
Sponsored by Penn State Sustainability
Poetry, Prose, and Performance Night
Thursday, January 18, 2024
What: Join us for a vibrant celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life, filled with artistry, poetry, and the compelling power of spoken word as we bring together faculty, students and staff along with a featured spoken word artist to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King.
When: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: HUB Room 008
A Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
What: The concert will feature choral music from African and African American musical idioms that emphasize the legacy and influence of the late champion of civil and human rights. The program will feature Howard University, Penn State’s Essence of Joy, and State College Area High School.
When: 4:00 p.m.
Where: Eisenhower Auditorium, Penn State University Park Campus