South Joins Citywide MLK Celebrations

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Posted on January 10, 2018

Joy Washington

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"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

University of South Alabama students, faculty, staff and alumni will be participating in a Service and Unity weekend Jan. 13-15 to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday through service, a unity walk coinciding with the L’Arche Mobile First Light Marathon and the annual MLK Day March in downtown Mobile.

The overall goal is for South Alabama to unite with others in the Port City to honor the memory and service of one of the great civil rights leaders.

"Each year at this important time, the USA community celebrates the legacy of service, unity, compassion and courage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Since 2009, we have hosted a day of service in honor of his life of sacrifice,” said Shannon Shelley-Tremblay, director of USA’s Office of Community Engagement (formerly known as CASCLE).

 “This year, we are proud to join with the Greater Mobile community to celebrate a full weekend of unity and service in honor of Dr. King,” Shelley-Tremblay said. “USA students, faculty and staff will have a variety of opportunities to serve, reflect and unite with one another to advance his vision for us all.”

Numerous campus organizations and groups have committed to sponsoring and supporting the weekend. Here are several ways everyone can get involved:

• Saturday, Jan. 13: Mobile Baykeeper and the Alabama Coastal Foundation  Community Clean-up Day will be held at Tricentennial Park starting at 8:30 a.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 14: L’Arche First Light Marathon Unity Walk through Mobile. USA is sponsoring Mile 15 starting at USA Drive South near Moulton Tower. Participants should arrive at 11:15 a.m. to walk the mile.
• Monday, Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. March and Interfaith Unity Service will be held at Calloway Smith Middle School. The pre-march and rally begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the MLK March and Interfaith Service. The lead sponsors are People United to Advance the Dream, the City of Mobile and Mobile United. Transportation will be available to and from Fresh Food Company by USA Transportation. Interested individuals should sign up with Orgsync.com in order to reserve a spot on the bus.

Those interested in volunteering and participating in the MLK Service and Unity Weekend should signup for any of the events by visiting https://orgsync.com/90785/forms/294750. For more information about additional citywide weekend events, please visit People United to Advance the Dream.

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Looking for ways to become more involved in the Greater Mobile community?

The Office of Community Engagement fosters collaborations between the University and the community by increasing the capacity to develop and strengthen partnerships. It supports students in attaining opportunities for experiential learning through internships, service-learning and volunteerism. It also connects community members to the many cultural, educational, research, and entertainment offerings of the campus, while supporting faculty and staff to develop professional skills focused on improving community engagement.

For more details, the campus and community are encouraged to stop by the Student Center, Room 240 or call (251) 460-6116 or send an email to communityengagement@southalabama.edu. Volunteer requests will be sent to the Daily Digest via the University’s mass email system.

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