Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

Please join us for our annual dinner to celebrate the life, legacy and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Commission is focusing on the consciousness of the socioemotional climate in our community and our country.

Through the words of Dr. King, “You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love” is a message that evokes us to embrace the impact of the force activated by love and grace. Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love, is a formal event from 2:30-4:00 PM featuring our dinner followed by an address delivered by the world-renowned keynote speaker, Terrell Lamont Strayhorn, PhD.

Meet Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn

Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn is one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the fields of education, psychology, and the academic study of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Named of the country’s “Top Diversity Scholars” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education and a remarkable “Bridge-Builder” between academic and student affairs by one of ACPA’s commissions, Strayhorn has authored 14 books, including the award-winning College Students’ Sense of Belonging (2nd ed, 2019), and over 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles and academic publications. His research has been cited, endorsed, or financially supported by over $10 million from the most premiere agencies in the world including Lumina Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, National Science Foundation, to name a few. One of his core passions is translating research-to-practice in ways that improve the material conditions and lived experiences of our most vulnerable populations. He accomplishes this mission largely through the more than 2000+ public talks, distinguished lectures, and keynotes he has delivered across the globe.

A respected thought-leader and highly-sought speaker, Strayhorn’s ground-breaking research has been cited in many outlets including The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Essence, and Diverse Issues, to name a few. He is President and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, a minority-owned business that partners with hundreds of colleges, universities, corporations, and agencies each year to enhance culture, build inclusive environments, and boost belonging in ways that raise morale, increase retention, improve people’s journey, and help organizations hit their bottom line. He’s a Contributing Writer for Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, All Business, and Psychology Today, where he leads the “Belonging Matters” blog.

Strayhorn is Professor of Education and Psychology; Director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs, and Principal Investigator of The Belonging Lab at Virginia Union University, where he also serves as Vice Provost for Faculty Development. He is Diversity Scholar-in-Residence at Harrisburg Area Community College, Fellow of AGB’s Institute for Leadership & Governance, and board member for several non-profits including Rainbow Labs, Career Analysis Organization of America, Vice President of Psychologists of Color Inc., and the MCT Educational Foundation. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Location: Mcllhenny Ballroom, 4th Floor.

Register Here.