Beloved Community Collective
Building a Beloved Community
Elizabethtown College is holding a month-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering the campus community a series of events and workshops to honor King's commitment to creating a just and peaceful future as part of the "Beloved Community Collective." The campus community is encouraged to attend events and workshops from Jan. 16 to Feb. 8 for a series of discussions focused on fostering a healthy and inclusive culture on our campus, self-love, and relationship building.
The name "Beloved Community Collective" was derived from Dr. King's speech delivered at a rally in 1956 following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to desegregate the seats on Montgomery buses, "the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men."
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Etown encourages students to get involved in their community and take positive action, to carry on Dr. King's legacy of social justice and equity, and to renew their commitment by giving back to the community. On Monday, Jan. 15, and the days surrounding, we invite you to support those who are food insecure, clean up a public area, or mentor a young person.
Elizabethtown College students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster at Millersville University's Student Memorial Center. The event will feature keynote speaker Bakari Sellers. A New York. Times bestselling author and civil rights activist, Sellers will present, “Activating the Promise of Democracy.” A limited number of tickets are available for purchase to attend the event in person or through a live stream.
2024 Beloved Community Collective Events & Workshops
A time to connect, build relationships, and bridge divides. Stop by tabling in the BSC and describe a world free of racism: what conversations, policies, and collective efforts are needed for a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued?
Building on the success of last year’s thought-provoking event, "MLK's Principles of Non-violence and Do They Work?" with Amy Shorner-Johnson, we invite you to join us for a follow-up session on the journey of nonviolence. In this engaging session, we will delve deeper into the six principles of Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent strategies and continue our exploration of the goals, realities, and engagement with the three named powers that impede us from achieving the Beloved Community: Poverty, Racism, and Militarism.
Join us for a transformative series of three, two-hour webinars sponsored by the nonprofit, On Earth Peace that will focus on using the discipline of Kingian Nonviolence in the Etown campus community. Explore Dr. King's legacy with engaging seminars that may be used on their own or in combination. Explore the "Will" of Kingian Nonviolence through Dr. King's Six Principles, including the attitudes and skills required for each. With the 6 Steps, you will acquire the essential "Skill" of Kingian Nonviolence and apply it to real-world challenges in the Etown campus community. Finally, use the Kingian Nonviolence Toolbox to improve your understanding by learning to "think like King" through the discipline of Dialectical Thinking, which involves uncovering threads of truth across ideological divides. Don't miss this opportunity to create a culture of peace and understanding in our community! Sessions will be held remotely on Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 25, Monday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 23 at noon. Join the Zoom session.
This engaging program will delve deeper into the residual effects and presentation of familial trauma and how it can resurface in college or later in life. We will identify examples and steps to understand these experiences and offer suggested coping strategies to assist those navigating through them.
The Pan-African flag-raising ceremony on the BSC Concourse marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of education and social events. As the Pan-African flag is raised, we signal our commitment to inclusion and the creation of cultural spaces that extend beyond the boundaries of Etown.
Lancaster-based pianist, educator, writer, and composer; Maria Corley presents a recital of Black Composers from around the world. Corley, a Julliard-trained musician, will also share her thoughts about her musical journey as a teacher, composer, and pianist in a pre-concert lecture. Learn more.
Join us for an enlightening discussion centered on "BIPOC Experiences in College" at a predominantly white institution. This event seeks to amplify the voices and experiences of BIPOC students, shedding light on their unique journeys in education. By sharing their personal narratives, participants will inspire empathy and promote a deeper appreciation for the importance of creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. By honoring Rosa Parks Day, we uphold the legacy of courage and activism, recognizing the importance of continuing to advocate for social justice and equality.