Remembering Dr. King’s dream

Dear Temple Students and Colleagues,

I want to take a moment to welcome you back to campus and also wish you a productive and fulfilling semester. I am confident that 2025 will be a year of great success for the collective Temple University community, and I thank you all for your contributions and continued commitment to this institution and our mission.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both here at Temple and across the nation, people will come together to honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose iconic "I Have a Dream" speech remains one of the most powerful statements that has ever been delivered. Its message for racial justice and civil rights is as important today as it was in 1963, and the lessons from that speech are something that we must never waver in our commitment to.

On Monday, in celebration of Dr. King, I encourage all members of the Temple community to take advantage of opportunities to honor his legacy. The Office of Community Affairs and Engagement has partnered with Temple colleagues and local organizations to hold a variety of service projects across North Philadelphia, and all of you can volunteer to participate in these projects by contacting Andrea Swan, director of community and neighborhood affairs, at [email protected].

The Klein College of Media and Communication will also host its eighth annual reading of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech at 11:45 a.m. at the Bell Tower. The event, which is open to all members of the Temple community, is an opportunity for us to join in reflecting on this historic speech and Dr. King's teachings.

Our student-athletes will also take part in an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event to honor Dr. King and give back to the Philadelphia community by providing fresh produce and food to many families in need, and I applaud them for their efforts.

As part of Temple's mission, we encourage active citizenship and promote service and engagement among all our community members. I thank you for your continued commitment to this mission both on Monday and every day throughout the year.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President