Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program
Honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More Than a Dream: Honoring the Legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington
Keynote Address by Dr. Bettina Love
In this keynote, participants will uncover lesser-known stories of influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, and Mahalia Jackson, highlighting the pivotal roles of women and queer individuals in the civil rights movement. Moving beyond the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, the presentation reveals how intersectionality shaped the movement for social justice. The keynote will explore organizing principles such as community building and collective action, offering strategies for teaching a richer, more inclusive Black history. By highlighting overlooked figures and contributions, this session expands Dr. King’s legacy and provides actionable insights for educators and leaders to promote social justice and equality today.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Mairs Concert Hall, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Reception
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Keynote
Book signing to follow keynote
About the Speaker
- Dr. Bettina Love
- Dr. Bettina L. Love holds the esteemed William F. Russell Professorship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal.
Keynote Registration Information
Please note that this keynote is open to the full Macalester community and sponsoring partners.
You will be sent a calendar invitation to confirm your registration. RSVP here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN9CG95hbNVkbVLq2pu1WZskPH10eN3W9BiyBYUKeQUmNYqA/viewform?usp=header
Please direct questions to Minerva S. Muñoz, Dean of Institutional Equity, at [email protected].
Processing Harm, Taking Accountability, and Moving Toward Healing: A Workshop for Educators
Facilitated by Dr. Bettina Love, Teachers College, Columbia University
Thursday, January 22nd, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons
In this workshop, educators will reflect on their own biases and experiences as a foundation for personal growth and healing. Through guided exercises and discussions, participants will confront the harm caused by their biases and learn how to address them in the classroom. By taking accountability for their actions, educators will explore how to rebuild trust and create inclusive, restorative spaces for students.
The workshop emphasizes empathy, vulnerability, and practical strategies for healing. Educators will leave with actionable steps to process past harm and foster a classroom environment that promotes justice, equity, and support for all students.
Agenda:
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Lunch provided
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Interactive workshop facilitated by Dr. Love
- Priority registration is for faculty and direct student-serving staff. However, this workshop is for those who wear the “educator hat” in our community.
- Registration is required. Seats are limited so sign up early. To RSVP, please use this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOss95c2CGWM1s-m1jKwPslUiJptSOGcYty8h1JRkD_JmBAQ/viewform?usp=header
Please direct questions to Minerva S. Muñoz at [email protected]
COSPONSORS
Immense gratitude to our Macalester campus cosponsors Art & Art History; Educational Studies; English & Creative Writing; Environmental Studies; Geology; Jan Serie Center for Scholarship and Teaching; Linguistics; Philosophy; Political Science; Religious Studies; Spanish & Portuguese; Office of the Dean of Students; Program Board; Student Affairs; Sustainability Office; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and to our community cosponsors Carleton College Division of Inclusion, Equity, and Community; St. Catherine University; St. Olaf College; and Wallin Foundation.
