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Jan 08, 2024 Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted at 16:27h in Dean's Message by
1 Like

Dean’s Message, January 2024

A happy new year to you all!

January is one of my favorite months because it is a time of reflection and the start to a new year – a blank slate full of opportunity. I also appreciate that January provides an explicit moment for us to reflect on all that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did in leading the most significant civil rights movement that this country has yet seen. This year the library is celebrating Dr. King’s birthday by hosting an exhibition from the Utah Black History Museum along with a talk with the museum’s leaders. This event is free and open to the public.

The library values the opportunity to partner with faculty on their scholarship. We recently completed a new digital exhibition, “This Abominable Slavery,” along with professor Paul Reeve, Simmons Chair of Mormon Studies in the College of Humanities. The exhibition and collection sheds light on the African American and Indigenous enslavement in the 19th century Utah Territory.

Both exhibitions give us an opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we have yet to accomplish in ensuring equal access and treatment for all. If you want to dig deeper, take a look at the list of books, films, podcasts in honor of Dr. King (and you’ll find much more – talk to your librarian if interested!). I hope that you will join me in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy and that you’ll have a chance to participate in and view these library offerings.

One last note: Did you know that Dr. King visited the U campus back in 1961?

Sarah Shreeves
Alice Sheets Marriott Dean of Libraries

1 Comment
  • Elizabeth Chipman
    Posted at 20:46h, 09 January

    I have always attended the days of remembrance for the achievements of Dr King – even back when they were always at Kingsbury. I heard Dr King speak in Oakland,Ca when I lived in the East Bay. Once I went to an NAACP luncheon here but it wasn’t the same. I used to go at least onec a year to Calvary Baptist when Reverend Davis was there. I am sorry to inform you that I received your email on January the 9th. Maybe there is still something still happening.