Honoring the Beloved Community of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
While we aspire to realize Dr. King’s dream, we are reminded that we have so much work to do. Let us not forget this weekend’s attack on the Jewish community and, specifically, the Rabbi and the congregants of Congregation Beth Israel in Texas, who endured a lengthy and terrifying ordeal in their place of worship during weekly Shabbat services. It was Dr. King himself who said, “The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.” Through King’s legacy, we are reminded of hope and possibility in the face of antisemitism, bigotry, terrorism, and the evils that threaten our ability to live peaceably and in ways that encourage us to treat others with dignity and respect.
Closer to home, let us fully commit to a Beloved Community through which we can channel his vision in ways that further fuel our commitment to the college’s community values and our open questions. Through this work, let us see ourselves as part of a larger human family, which will surely strengthen our ability to tackle injustice in the world. And let us especially remain inspired by Dr. King’s struggle for fairness and love and a society that is inclusive of all identities and experiences.
Today is a Day of Service for Ursinus, and we’re proud to host a series of “Lightning Talks” and virtual workshops in partnership with Perkiomen Valley School District. That begins a week of programs, conversations, and service that reflect the spirit of Dr. King. You can learn more on our website at https://go.ursinus.edu/MLKWeek2022. Please remember that our unwavering commitment to a Beloved Community, however, extends throughout the semester. Let us reflect on this week’s activities to learn how we can cultivate an even greater culture of service and respect for one another.
Sincerely,
President Jill Leauber Marsteller ’78, P’18
Vice President for College and Community Engagement Heather Lobban-Viravong