Dear Members of the University Community,

On the occasion of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of National Service, we are excited to share some of our community members’ thoughts inspired by Dr. King. By his words and example, Dr. King challenges us to do better in realizing his dream of a more just and gentle world. These interviews with students, staff, and faculty show that Dr. King’s legacy thrives at Santa Clara not just on the national holiday, but every day. 

These reflections also remind us that our strengths lie in allyship and coalition, as well as in a recognition of differences and individuality. The profound concept of a “beloved community” of love, equality, and justice was often invoked by Dr. King and is deeply meaningful to us here at Santa Clara. It is not a simplistic vision of conformity and the absence of conflict, but a richly complex realization that the work of justice requires the efforts of many over a long period of time. Dr. King’s “beloved community” was deeply influenced by historically underrecognized mentors and advisers such as Ella Baker, Rosa Parks, and Bayard Rustin. In turn, we recognize that our community is built every day by your work, seen and unseen, to make Santa Clara a more inclusive and diverse place.

We hope you will share this brief video to help spark more conversations and inspire people to action.

On a final note, we invite you to a special program on campus next Monday, January 27 from noon to 1:15 pm at the Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law: “The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision of Nonviolent Resistance: The Fierce Urgency of Now.” 

In peace,