Honoring Dr. King: A Week of Dialogue, Reflection, and Service at SUA
Students and staff at Soka University of America honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a week of connection, reflection, and action last month.
The week kicked off with a volunteer opportunity at the OC Food Bank on January 20, where students, faculty, and staff turned MLK Day of Service into a “day-on” instead of a “day-off,” coming together to assemble and pack food for low-income children, families, seniors, and veterans in the local community.
On January 22, students and staff gathered in the Ikeda Library Grand Reading Room for a screening of I Am MLK Jr. The documentary inspired a lively discussion over dinner, catered by Luscious Jimmy’s Catering, a local Black-owned business, deepening participants’ understanding of MLK’s enduring impact.
MLK week concluded on January 24 with a student-led presentation and small group discussions over lunch prepared by Luscious Jimmy’s executive chef, Jim Birmingham Jr., in the Student Affairs lobby. Attendees reflected on Dr. King’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” delivered the day before his assassination. Gail Thomas, professor emerita of sociology, stressed the importance of climbing the mountain in front of us and reminded participants how fortunate they are to be members of the SUA community, encouraging everyone not to take this time for granted.
A new photo gallery and video capture moments, from this meaningful week of activities — from the spirit of service at the OC Food Bank to the inspiring conversations sparked by Dr. King’s words and deeds. These highlights capture the Soka community’s dedication to preserving and building upon Dr. King’s legacy.
