BOONE, N.C. — The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. has long been honored by Appalachian State University. For 21 years (1999–2020), App State led an MLK Challenge — with hundreds of students honoring the life and legacy of King through a day of service, reflection and education by working with community partners. This year may look different but the spirit is the same.
Ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. in 2021
While COVID-19’s impact has led to the cancellation of this year’s MLK Challenge, the Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) Office challenges members of the Appalachian Community to still find ways to honor King’s legacy. Among ACT’s suggestions:
- Find volunteer opportunities in Boone or online using ACT’s community partner list.
- Connect with resources promoted by App State’s Intercultural Student Affairs.
- Plan to attend the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration on Jan. 26 featuring Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
- Check out 2021 MLK Day celebrations and observations in the Triangle and Charlotte.
- Explore resources available through AmeriCorps.
View other suggestions from ACT
App State’s Office of Sustainability also welcomes individuals to organize food drives for its Mountaineer Food Hub, which supports campus community members in need.
Later in the spring semester, ACT plans to honor King’s legacy through a collaborative service and education event hosted by student members of the ACT Team. Details will be shared on the ACT website.
“The key tenets of the ACT mission are to use service experiences as an opportunity to build authentic relationships, stimulate critical thinking and recognize individual impact and responsibility,” said Heather Jo Mashburn, associate director for ACT in the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership.
“The tradition of hundreds of students participating in the MLK Challenge over the last 21 years has allowed us to provide an opportunity for service, reflection and education for so many members of the Appalachian community," Mashburn said. "As a one-day event, the MLK Challenge pushes student, faculty and staff participants to think about their greater role in the world around them."
Read on for a look back at previous service opportunities at App State.
SoundAffect podcasts with previous MLK speakers
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36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
