This month we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 16th). In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service (MLK Day) holiday we invite you to reflect on how we as a community can inspire hope and continue to put his message of racial justice and healing into action. Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he advocated and fought for systemic change. Dr. King led by example and provided a call to action as part of his legacy. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all people to volunteer to improve their communities.
As we strive toward a racially just world, it is through our interconnectedness that we have profound opportunities to positively impact the lives of those around us. As Dr. King wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere […] Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”. With this we invite you to join us in supporting those who give back to and lift up our community. We encourage you to:
- Engage within your local community, and/or community-based organizations, and create constructive action.
- Act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity.
- Volunteer and commit/recommit yourself to serving and supporting others.
Examples of these could be by becoming a mentor, volunteering with organizations or programs that support those in need (i.e. food and/or housing insecure), beautify a community or public space.
Additional ways to support our UC Davis Health community is by getting involved with an Employee Resource Group in support of the immense work they do to build an equitable, inclusive and diverse community here at UC Davis Health. We also encourage you to learn more about small businesses and community-based organizations to support and explore how you might further our Anchor Institution Mission in support of our local communities.
However you spend MLK Day, join us in reminding ourselves of the vision behind Dr. King’s Beloved Community and consider attending the upcoming events this month that allow us to be in community together in support of racial justice and healing:
Upcoming events
Book Project: Interprofessional Book Club - Discussing Defund Fear/We Keep Us Safe
Thursday, January 12 12-1:30 p.m.
Register today
The Interprofessional Book Club continues the virtual discussion of the Campus Community Book Project selection. Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Associate Professor Jann Murray-García leads the discussion of the book. This session’s discussion covers pages 63 – 96 and focuses on the question, what has the fear-based approach to public safety cost us? All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome whether or not you have read the book.
The 2022-23 book project features a yearlong program around Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons and Punishment by Zach Norris, and the overall theme of transformative justice/police reform. See the calendar.
Rx Healing Circle
Wednesday, January 18th 6-7:30 p.m.
Register today
Welcome to virtual Rx Healing Circles! This session serves as an opportunity for building the Beloved Community and fostering healing through a shared humanity perspective. We invite you to join us in sharing a connective space for people to offer compassion and experience unity.
Book Project: ICE Out of Yuba - Abolishing an ICE Detention Center
Thursday, January 26th 3-4 p.m.
Register today
A presentation about advocacy work to abolition an ICE detention center by Holly Cooper, Co-Director, Immigration Law Clinic and Lecturer, School of Law and School of Law student scholars and JD candidates Gabriela Posada and Anuj Shah.
The 2022-23 book project features a yearlong program around Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons and Punishment by Zach Norris, and the overall theme of transformative justice/police reform. See the calendar.
