TheOffice of Diversity and Inclusionaims to cultivate and sustain an inclusive campus. We strive for academic excellence
by creating an environment that educates, empowers and mobilizes our students, campus
and community. In our community, our members view themselves as ambassadors for fundamental
freedoms and respect the differences in others.
The office provides dynamic programs, which range from speakers and film showings
to award ceremonies, cultural festivities and LGBTQA programming — each representing
a small piece of the diversity displayed on the WSU campus.
Wichita State University will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. with a series of events on campus and throughout the City of Wichita.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights
leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He brought unparalleled hope and equity to America.
Dr. King created positive, sustainable change through the values of courage, compassion,
justice, truth, dignity, humility and service. On this holiday, we commemorate his
spirit, strength, love and legacy.
This celebration takes place Friday, Jan. 17 to Wednesday, Jan. 22 through citywide
collaboration with organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Kansas
African American Museum, Christian Faith Centre, Wichita Habitat for Humanity and
the Greater Wichita Ministerial League.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, the University will participate in the Citywide Martin Luther
King Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m., starting at the Christian Faith Centre,
1130 S. Broadway, leading up to Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, 205 E. Douglas
Ave. The celebration continues on Monday, Jan. 20, Wichita State University will co-sponsor
with the Greater Wichita Ministerial League to host the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. Day Worship Celebration, beginning at noon at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan
Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. N. Enjoy music rendered by local talent, as well as the
powerful words from a keynote speaker, Dr. Cynthia Hale.
Later that week, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host its 12th annual Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the Rhatigan
Student Center Beggs Ballroom, where the 2020 Drum Major Award recipient will be recognized.
This award is presented to a University administrator, faculty, staff or student who
seeks greatness, but does so through service and love. In addition, hear musical selections
from the A.R.I.S.E. Ensemble.
A majority of the events are free and open to the public. A compiled guide of celebrations
for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day can be accessed at wichita.edu/MLK.
For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at (316) 978-3034
or diversity@wichita.edu.
