At Methodist University, MLK Day isn’t a day off, it’s a day on for honoring and service. On January 19, Methodist University is once again a gold sponsor for the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch which takes place at 10 a.m. at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville.
At Methodist University, MLK Day isn’t a day off, it’s a day on for honoring and service. On January 19, Methodist University is once again a gold sponsor for the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch which takes place at 10 a.m. at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville. The event brings together community members, city leaders, educators, faith leaders, and nearly two dozen MU students will be on hand for a morning of reflection, celebration, and connection.
“This event is about remembering where we’ve come from,” said Gavin Myrick, MU’s director of Student Connections & Outreach. “We will recognize how far we’ve gone, and acknowledging how far we still have to go.”
Exposure for Students and Youth
A key focus for MU is exposure for younger generations to leadership in action. It’s an opportunity to observe and absorb the atmosphere.
There’s power in simply being present,” said Dr. Quincy Malloy, vice president for Engagement, Community, & Belonging. “It’s not so much to engage if they don’t choose to, I don’t think we put enough emphasis on exposure, just putting an individual in a different space where they get to see people that they may only hear about or see on the television — that holds much power.”
Beyond the formal portion of the program, the brunch offers the opportunity to see city leaders outside of their official roles in a more personal setting.
“Younger people get to see the mayor, city officials, just walking by,” Myrick said. “It’s like, ‘I was at breakfast, and I talked to the mayor.’ You don’t often just get the opportunity to run into the mayor every day.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Bishop Brian Thompson, a former pastor at Simon Temple who now serves on the West Coast and will return to Fayetteville for the occasion. The theme for this year’s brunch is “Where Do We Go from Here?” encouraging those in attendance to reflect and consider how Dr. King’s message applies today.
View the details link for more information on this event.
MLK Day of Service
For those unable to attend the brunch, students and members of the community are encouraged to participate in acts of service throughout MLK Day, whether through local nonprofits, schools, churches, or neighborhood projects. While the brunch serves as a gathering point, organizers say service remains the heart of the day.
“We’re asking people, even though it’s a day off from work, to dive into the community,” Malloy said. “Whether it’s big or small. Find a local church, local school, local project, and lend a hand.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Ultimately, the brunch serves as a reminder that Dr. King’s legacy is not just something to honor once a year.
“This is about continuing the work,” Malloy said. “Not just remembering the past but committing ourselves to the future.”
As part of Methodist University’s MLK Week programming, a campus-wide event will be hosted featuring Jeffrey Peck, the great-grandson of W.E.B. Du Bois as speaker. This event – Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. and free and open to the public – will be held at the Huff Concert Hall on campus and address Du Bois’ legacy, education, and impact on civil rights.