More than 50 years following the death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., not even a pandemic can impede the annual birthday celebration of the historic civil rights leader.
Albeit a virtual celebration, Clark State College, CareSource, the City of Springfield, Human Relations Board, Springfield City Schools and Wittenberg University will host the 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration – Living The Dream – at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15.
“We continue to celebrate King Day to remember Martin Luther King for what he did to force the United States to face the evils of racism in his time,” says Warren Copeland, Springfield City Mayor. “However, we also celebrate this day in order to recognize racism in our place and time and commit ourselves to act in our time.”
The annual Peacemaker Awards will be presented to 12 local high school students recognized for their ability to resolve conflict in a positive way and assist in bridging cultural and social differences within their schools. Clark State and the City of Springfield started the Peacemaker program in the 1980s.
“Clark State is deeply committed to the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and we are hopeful that our work answers Dr. King’s question, ‘What are you doing for others?’” says Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College. “Clark State, as a member of the Achieving the Dream network, is more focused than ever on ensuring equitable outcomes and helping all of our students realize their educational and career goals.”
The event's keynote speaker Eric Ellis will address the topic "Who am I leading? And to what destination?”
Ellis is President and CEO of West Chester-based Integrity Development Corporation and says it is critical for the community to set aside time throughout the year but especially as we reflect on the life and contributions of King's contributions, to assess where we are with respect to issues of racial and social justice.
“It should be crystal clear, at this point, that without greater individual and collective leadership, we are on a path to ideological civil war,” he says. “I am honored to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on the role personal leadership plays on our current and future success as a community and society.”
Ellis’s firm helps to build organizational cultures where diversity, inclusion and respect flourish, which drives sustainable, improved business results. He is recognized as one of the nation’s leading diversity and inclusion consultants and strategists..
Ellis wrote the book “Diversity Conversations," was recognized as the Minority Business of the Year in Ohio, and was the recipient of the NAACP President’s award, in addition to many other leadership and business awards.
Anyone can register for the free, virtual Living the Dream celebration here.
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