Each year, Case Western Reserve University honors Martin Luther King Jr.—the holiday, the man, the legend—with a celebration that includes a range of activities: workshops, films, panel discussions and acclaimed speakers. All members of the university and the community at large are invited to observe King's holiday and recognize his commitment to social justice and global peace.
This year's event featured a conversation with the Honorable Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of the Obama Foundation, on Friday, Jan. 24, at 12:45 p.m., in the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Ballroom in the Tinkham Veale University Center.
Jarrett is a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School and the author of The New York Times' bestselling book, Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward.
Dexter R. Voisin, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Dean of Applied Social Sciences, moderated. Case Western Reserve President Eric W. Kaler, Vice President for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement Robert L. Solomon, Esq., and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb all gave opening remarks, and the Honorable Melody J. Stewart was in attendance.
A dessert reception and book signing followed the conversation.
"Part of building an inclusive community is learning how to listen to those with whom we might disagree without being disagreeable. So as you honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, remember that his movement was not made up of just Black people—it was made up of a cross-section of America. He cast a broad net, an inclusive net, and he brought people together to care about each other's futures and each other's children." — Valerie Jarrett
View the MLK Jr. Convocation program
Watch the recording of the convocation*
*Registration and password required; recording available until March 31, 2025.