01/20/2025

Dear Campus Community,

Today, we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader who dedicated his life to advancing equality and justice for all. While Dr. King’s dream remains a work in progress, his steadfast commitment to justice and compassion continues to inspire us to work together for a better world.

In our current moment, we face challenges that call us to confront rising antisemitic, Islamophobic, homophobic, and racist rhetoric and violence. These divisions remind us that the fight for justice is far from over, and underscore the importance of Dr. King’s leadership and how we can use his teachings as we engage in difficult conversations with those whose views differ from our own. As Dr. King so powerfully reminded us, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” These words urge us to engage with one another and seek the common good that binds us as a community.

I invite you to join me in reaffirming our shared commitment to these ideals by attending Puget Sound’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. in Kilworth Memorial Chapel.

This year, we are proud to welcome back Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Braxton ’83, a distinguished alumnus, pastor, theologian, and social justice advocate. Dr. Braxton serves as founder and senior pastor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent, Washington, a multi-ethnic congregation rooted in personal redemption and social justice. His keynote address will be "Martin Luther King Jr.: A Model of Moral Leadership in an Immoral Empire.” The evening also will feature a performance by select members of the musical ensemble Songs of Black Folk. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited—reserve your ticket today online or at the Logger Store.

Co-hosted by the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity and the Swope Endowed Lectures, this celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings and renew our commitment to the work of building a more just and equitable world. I hope you will join us for this important and inspiring event.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President