MLK Week 2025
Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?
The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration theme replicates the title of Dr. King's fourth and final book, which was published prior to his assassination.
Under the backdrop of monumental change in America after new laws such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed the next phase of the movement would bring its challenges. "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?" inspires thought and hope for advancing the movement, from continued interracial coalitions to faith, economic justice, nonviolent action and the ballot.
As Baldwin Wallace is centered on its own challenges of what the next steps of social action will be and our nation navigates the aftermath of a contentious election cycle and global unrest, the tenets of Dr. King's work ring more now than ever before.
In what ways will we rise to the challenge of finding new ways to build even when we don't feel like building? How do we advance community and justice when the structures that support community have been dismantled? Join the committee as we challenge you to consider your role in answering, "Where do we go from here?"
Throughout the week, at various programs, we will take time to reflect on the significance of the people and milestones that inspire the struggle for justice in our age. We will celebrate legacies connected to our campus and region. This year, the world lost a giant of the Civil Rights Movement when BW graduate Rev. James Lawson '51 passed away on June 9.
Our MLK celebrations also mark the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in the State of Ohio, eight years prior to it becoming a federal holiday.
The 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is sponsored by Baldwin Wallace University in conjunction with the Berea community and the Campus/Community MLK Week Committee 2025.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For more information, call the Center for Inclusion at (440) 826-2395.
Schedule of Events
AmeriCorps Service Activity
The David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement is sponsoring a Pop-Up Free Store, including food, household items for student dorm rooms and BW apparel. Donations can be dropped off at the Brain Center on the second floor in Strosacker Hall.
Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 20, 9 a.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
200 Mt. Zion Way, Berea, OH 44017
Join us for a reflective celebration featuring music, readings and keynote speaker Minister Tonnette Williams.
Sponsored by Mt. Zion Baptist Church
National Day of Racial Healing Jacket Circle
Wednesday, January 22, 5 p.m.
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
A Jacket Circle is an experiential process by which, through storytelling and deep listening, we can embrace our common humanity, learn to see ourselves in one another, and approach difficult issues and needed policy changes through the lens of empathy and compassion.
Participants will have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with their peers in a hands-on, transformational experience.
Sponsored by the BW Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Team.
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students.
Refresh Ecumenical Service & Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, January 23, 11 a.m.
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
Featuring the Berea-Midpark High School Choir, all are welcome to attend this ecumenical service.
Sponsored by the Black Student Alliance and the BW Office of Spiritual Life.
Social Change Summit
Saturday, January 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This FREE conference-style event is in the spirit of MLK's legacy surrounding social justice. The program is designed to help students move from feelings of anxiety, apathy and angst regarding current events into ACTION for social justice and positive social change.
Sponsored by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement.
NOTE: This event is only open to BW students, faculty and staff. Registration is required.
Keynote and Discussion with Dr. Michael A. Baston
Enduring Questions Lecture Series
Monday, January 27, 7 p.m.
Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)
We are excited to welcome Dr. Michael A. Baston, president of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), as our keynote speaker. Dr. Baston is an in-demand speaker on the role of higher education in moving the needle on equity and justice in America.
In addition to his presidencies, Dr. Baston is known as a national leader, including his role as a national Guided Pathways and Equity Transfer Initiative coach for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
The Keynote will be presented as a discussion, with questions created to reflect on the 2025 MLK Week theme, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?"
Sponsored by the Center for Inclusion and Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series.