USciences Hosts Annual MLK Day of Service Virtual Events

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

This year, the USciences Annual MLK Day of Service featured three virtual events to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each of the events aimed to inspire critical thinking in attendees to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.

The MLK Day of Service featured keynote speaker Dr. Crystal Edwards. Dr. Edwards is the principal at William D. Kelley School in Philadelphia, as well as Founder and President of Empowering SIngle Moms, Inc., a nonprofit that offers empowerment workshops and programs for single moms who receive federal assistance in Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE, and Newark, NJ.

Dr. Edwards addressed attendees and encouraged them to embrace being uncomfortable and think critically about the topics that Dr. King fought for and the evolution of society.

“We have to be bold enough to call out injustice for all people, especially historically marginalized citizens, without thinking that it will take away from something that we have.” Dr. Edwards shared. “I encourage you to not become so complacent that you spend just one day doing good work for humanity. I ask you to apply your goodness on this one day to the rest of the 364 days.”

As part of the MLK Day of Service events, the USciences Black Student Union (BSU) held an open forum to discuss vaccine hesitancy in the African American community, specifically as it relates to the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences with others.

To finish the day, the USciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council hosted a webinar where they shared the work they have done and where they see DEI efforts heading into the future.

The DEI Council hosted special guest Dr. Nicole Stokes, Associate Provost of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Saint Joseph’s University. Dr. Stokes shared Saint Joseph’s current approach to DEI efforts, specifically the Jesuit approach which emphasizes mutual respect in the pursuit of social justice.

She shared Saint Joseph’s commitment to DEI into the future, noting that success comes when everyone is involved in civil discourse and participates by being an engaged citizen.