Learn More About Activities Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King at www.martin.edu
Martin University recognizes that America has not yet arrived at the dream of equality and justice outlined by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his now famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Despite the progress made in the decades since King's speech, racial disparities and discrimination continue to exist in many aspects of American society.
One of the most salient examples is the ongoing problem of systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Black Americans are disproportionately targeted, arrested, and incarcerated compared to other Americans, even for similar offenses. This clearly indicates that the dream of equal justice under the law has not yet been realized.
As crucial as equal justice is education inequality. Education is an area where racial disparities persist over five decades after King's speech. Black students are more likely to attend underfunded schools and have less access to advanced courses and extracurricular activities. This puts them at a disadvantage in college preparation and ultimately limits their opportunities for success.
Economic inequality is yet, another major issue that continues to plague Black Americans. Despite gains in recent years, the median wealth of Black households is still only a fraction of that of other families. This can be attributed to various factors, including discrimination in the job market, redlining, and other forms of institutionalized racism.
At Martin University, we are committed to realizing Dr. King's dream by promoting equality, justice, and opportunity for all. Our National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion (NCREI) aims to address these issues and provide support and resources to those who advocate equity across multiple community sectors.
We also encourage our students, faculty, and staff to engage in conversations and actions that will bring attention to these issues and work towards becoming engaged in finding solutions. Dr. King once said, "The time is always right to do what is right."
Martin University's Reset and Re-Emerge initiative, making a quality education Affordable, Applicable, and Accessible, is our way of utilizing education tools to remind our community of the great traits inherent within them. We will continue striving towards a society where everyone has ample opportunity and is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. We honor Dr. King's legacy by working towards a more just and equitable future for all Americans.