Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
As our nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is an opportunity for us to remember Dr. King’s visit to our campus on Oct. 6, 1966, and to reflect on his challenge to our community and our nation “to unite to make justice a reality.”
He spoke here at a time when civil rights activists were being intimidated, beaten, and even killed. While some members of the crowd hissed and booed openly, King’s optimism enthralled his audience, leaving a profound impression on those who heard his message. King invoked a vision of mutual destinies bound together, and a faith that “we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.”
As we prepare to return to our classrooms tomorrow, I hope you will carry with you Dr. King’s acknowledgement “that we are tied in a single garment of destiny,” and “that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals.”
To that end, I hope you will join us for the 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Lecture in Social Justice event on Jan. 30. The President’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion will host former NFL player and thought leader, Wade Davis. More details about the virtual event are available online.
I am grateful for the persistent work of our dedicated students and colleagues and the intentional efforts across our campus to foster a truly welcoming and inclusive community.
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President