After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, Oglethorpe’s MLK Day of Service made an inspiring return this year, uniting community members to make a positive impact on both the OU campus and the greater Atlanta area.
More than 50 students, alumni, faculty and staff honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service projects, including:
- Cleaning and maintaining Petey’s Nature Trail on campus, led by Dr. Roarke Donnelly
- Preparing meals for 7 Bridges to Recovery in Smyrna
- Writing heartfelt Valentine’s Day messages for assisted living residents in Atlanta
- Creating care kits with handwritten messages to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House
The day began with a community breakfast featuring Marco Morris, lecturer and part-time instructor of African American Studies, who delivered an inspiring address. He emphasized the importance of keeping Dr. King’s dream alive on more than one day a year and giving meaning to his words by following his example.
The service projects were planned through the Office of Advancement and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, with the goal of fostering unity and community engagement.
“We lost the Day of Service for a few years because of COVID. The pandemic caused a lot of isolation,” says Dr. Rhana Gittens Wheeler, Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer. “By bringing back the Day of Service, we’re bringing back our togetherness and what a return to what is normal. I’m glad we’ve remembered and brought it back.”
See all photos of the day below:
