Beginning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the University's president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and the President's Oversight Committee on Diversity and Inclusion have designated January 18-22, 2016, as Walk the Walk Week.
A series of University and department-sponsored events, community-building dialogues and opportunities of reflection are being offered across campus throughout the observance, which begins with a midnight march, January 18th. Even as the Midnight March marks—quite literally—the University community's first steps in coming together that day, the hope is that our collective reflection on the values that are so central both to King's legacy and to Notre Dame's mission will continue in various settings throughout the days, weeks, and months to come.
Featured 2016 Events
Monday, January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Classes canceled 11:30AM—1:30PM
Midnight March and Prayer Service
The Main Building
The University of Notre Dame has modified plans for tonight’s midnight march and prayer service due to a forecast of strong winds, dangerous wind-chill conditions and significant snow accumulation.
Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Question of ‘Illegal Laws’: Civil Law, Justice, and Morality– delivered by Fr. Dominic Legge. Co-sponsored by The Tocqueville Program, Constitutional Studies Minor, and Food Services.
Six civil rights era photos and another related exhibit featuring a variety of media celebrating African-American artists, African-American Voices, will be available for viewing until 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.
A Celebration Mass with Voices of Faith Gospel Choir
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Presider: Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., University President
BLACK LIVES MATTER: The Hashtag Behind the New Civil Rights Movement
DeBartolo 101
A lecture by movement co-founders Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. Sponsored by Multicultural Student Programs and Services.
Civil Rights Then and Now: African Americans and Latinos
Morris Inn Private Dining Room
Limited seating, contact gwilson1@nd.edu or imaldona@nd.edu for reservations (required). Co-sponsored by Africana Studies and Institute for Latino Studies.
Facilitator: Eric Love, Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion. This is a two hour interactive program that gives participants an opportunity to share their personal diversity-and-inclusion experiences as well as brainstorm ways to make Notre Dame more welcoming and inclusive for all.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Luncheon 2016: A Campus Conversation
A panel discussion spurred conversation about the opportunities for individual members of the Notre Dame community to "take the next step" in fostering an atmosphere of inclusion on campus.
Midnight Prayer Service
As Walk the Walk Week began, a cross-section of Notre Dame students, faculty, and staff joined together for a midnight prayer service to show solidarity in the common pursuit of a more inclusive and diverse community.