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Gannon University honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in series of events

Published: 01/11/2023

Gannon University Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Gannon University Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The university will be closed Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no classes. As we aim to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, life and contribution to our country we invite the Gannon community to engage in several opportunities, including:

MLK Poetry Contest

Deadline: Saturday, January 14
Students are invited to submit poetry entries focused on the theme of “Together, We Can Be THE Dream” or ideas of equality and racial and ethnic justice for the chance to read or have your work shared at the Prayer Service on Jan. 16.

Contest Guidelines & Entry:

  • Poems should not exceed 500 words and must include name, date and title of work.
  • Please refrain from using vulgarity, gratuitous and otherwise explicit language.
  • Submit hardcopy entries to Office of Campus Ministry in Waldron Campus Center, Keim 104.
  • Submit digital entries to Campus Ministry at campmin@gannon.edu with your name and “MLK Poetry Contest” in the email subject line.

12th Annual Dr. King Awards Dinner

Jan. 14 | 6 p.m. | Bayfront Convention Center
Limited tickets are available. Contact Erika Ramalho, ramalho001@gannon.edu for more information.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Service at Gannon University

Jan. 16 | 6 p.m. | Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel

All are welcome to participate in a prayer service based on the words, prayers, life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The service will include ecumenical praise and worship, scripture readings and a special reflection from Shiloh Baptist Church’s Pastor Anthony G. Harris. This event is in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Ministry, Gannon African Student Organization, Activities Programming Board and Gannon Black Student Union. There will be hors d'oeuvres and refreshments to follow in Kraus Hall. 

City of Erie's Martin Luther King Parade

Jan. 16 | 11:45 a.m. | Starts at Perry Square at 12 p.m. proceeding to the MLK Center at 312 Chestnut Street

Mr. James Sherrod, executive director of the MLK Center, will provide brief remarks and lay a wreath in honor of Dr. King. A light lunch and programming in the MLK Center gymnasium will follow.

City of Tampa’s Martin Luther King Parade

Jan. 16| 12 p.m. | Parade begins at Cuscaden Park at 2901 N. 15th St.

Key Arts Productions presents: King’s Dream at Gannon University

Jan. 19 | 5 p.m. | Yehl Ballroom

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites you to join in celebrating unity, diversity and peace while enjoying a dynamic live multimedia presentation dedicated to the legacy of the American legend Martin Luther King Jr. Click here to read more about this event.

All media inquiries can be made by contacting Haley Figurski, Media Relations and Marketing Manager, at 814-823-1886.