Each year, the Spokane community takes time to gather and commemorate the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American civil rights movement from the 1950’s until his tragic assassination in 1968. In communion with cities around the nation, Spokane continues to be inspired by the work of Dr. King, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and justice for all, and by his commitment to use peaceful means to achieve social justice.
In commemoration of Dr. King’s life, Gonzaga observes this coming Monday as a holiday, suspending classes and closing offices so the memory and historic impact of Dr. King can be honored.
This year, I hope you will join the Gonzaga and Spokane communities in honoring Dr. King’s extraordinary work and example at Spokane’s Annual Unity March on Monday, January 20. Students, staff and faculty are invited to gather on campus at 9:00 a.m. in the UMEC Offices (Hemmingson Center, Suite 215) to create signs and then join together to walk as a group to the March downtown. Citizens are being asked to gather at 10:00 a.m. at the Spokane Convention Center next to the bronze statue honoring astronaut Michael Anderson (334 West Spokane Falls Blvd.) and march to River Park Square in a demonstration of strength and support.
A community resource fair will take place following the Unity March at the Convention Center until 2:00 p.m. Alternatively, following the March downtown, all are invited to attend the annual “Lifting as We Climb: Teach-In on Voter’s Rights & Suppression” from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Hemmingson Center Ballroom. This event will feature speakers from the Spokane NAACP, the Spokane County Elections Office, and Gonzaga University’s Sociology and Criminology Department.
Gonzaga University demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice. If your schedule permits, I invite you to wear your Gonzaga gear, find colleagues and friends, and be part of 2020’s celebration next Monday morning.
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil., PresidentJanuary 17, 2020