Eastern University
01/20/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2025 07:37
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2025
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2025
January 20, 2025
Dear EU Community,
Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring Dr. King's legacy with this year's theme: "The Journey of Hope and Healing: Advancing the Dream."
The campaign for a federal holiday honoring Dr. King began after his 1968 assassination. Signed into law by President Reagan in 1983, it was first observed on January 20, 1986. This year marks the 39th observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the same age as Dr. King when he was tragically assassinated.
Advancing the Dream
Today, communities worldwide honor Dr. King's legacy through service, advocating for justice, dialogue, and commitment to nonviolence. This day reminds us that his dream of a just and compassionate society is not just a historical ideal, but a living call to action.
As we reflect, let his words challenge us to be agents of light and love: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Hope and Healing
Dr. King's teachings remain a guiding light in a world marked by division and violence, reminding us that hope and healing are essential for progress. "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope," he once said.
This MLK Day, we each have a role in advancing his dream - whether through volunteering, civic dialogue, or acts of kindness. Together, we can transform our communities into spaces of hope and healing.
Let us draw strength from these words: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
As we honor Dr. King, let us recommit to building a world rooted in hope, healing, justice, equality, and love for generations to come.
Shalom! Shalom!
Randolph Walters, Psy.D, LPC, CCTP, CSAM
Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Professor, Counseling Psychology Department