MLK Commemorative Events
MLK Celebration Speakers
On Tuesday January 25, 2022, at 6 p.m. on the Statesboro Campus, the speaker is Francys Johnson. Johnson is a Founding Partner of Davis Bozeman Johnson Law. Born and raised on his grandparent’s farm in Sylvania, Georgia, Francys Johnson learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and service to others. Francys Johnson has a strong record of advocacy aimed at expanding opportunities for all people as a practicing lawyer, public theologian, and educator. Johnson succeeded Stacey Abrams and Raphael Warnock as head of the New Georgia Project, a transformational civic engagement organization responsible for defeating voter suppression and advancing progressive values in public policy.
On Wednesday January 26, 2022, at 6 p.m. on the Armstrong Campus, the speaker is Amir-Jamal Touré . Touré is the resident scholar for Geechee Kunda Cultural Center and Museum in Riceboro, Ga., and is known as a Djeli (cultural historian). He has performed internationally in sharing history and culture. Known for his work in socioeconomic, politics, and social justice areas, Touré has impacted the region to bring equity to all.
Seating is limited. Please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@georgiasouthern.edu.
Previous Speakers
The following are a list of previous MLK Jr. Commemoration Speakers at Georgia Southern University:
| Speaker | Year |
| Myrlie Evers-Williams | 2006 |
| Bernice King | 2007 |
| Dr. Cornell West | 2008 |
| Tavis Smiley | 2009 |
| Michael Eric Dyson | 2010 |
| Dr. Angela Davis | 2011 |
| Dick Gregory | 2012 |
| Soledad O’Brien | 2013 |
| Ambassador Andrew Young | 2014 |
| Michele Norris | 2015 |
| Dr. Steve Perry | 2016 |
| Nikki Giovanni | 2017 |
| Bakari Sellers | 2018 |
| Roland S. Martin | 2019 |
| James Major Woodall | 2021 |
Community Engagement Opportunities
Eagles in Action: MLK Legacy of Service
Dates: January 15-17, 2022
Objective: To provide students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful service activities in reflection of MLK’s legacy.
Description: Two and a half day program to learn, engage, and explore the connections between service and social justice in the local community through completing various service projects and reflection activities.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Translate how participation in current community experiences benefits future self.
2. Recognize the personal responsibility to act in ways that benefit their community.
3. Explain the significance of social issues within community life.
To participate, sign up here.
MLK Parade
Date: Monday January 17
We will be representing the university in the City of Savannah’s annual parade. Transportation will be provided to and from the Armstrong campus and the parade location. If you would like to walk with us, please sign up here. This opportunity is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Drum Major of Justice Award
The inaugural “Drum Major of Justice Award” is to recognize individual student leaders and student organizations who best exemplify Dr. King’s commitment and philosophy to social justice. Awardees should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and in good standing with Georgia Southern University. Student organizations should also be registered and in good standing with the University. They should also have evidence of community and campus involvement that are reflective of Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and community activism.
We will award one winner per category per campus. Individuals will receive a plaque and a scholarship award. Student organizations will receive a plaque and funds towards To nominate someone or yourself, please use the form here. Nominations close Friday January 9. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@georgiasouthern.edu.
Last updated: 5/12/2022