Community
Special Events

Martin Luther King Jr Day

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  • Celebrating as a Community

    January 15, 2024
      

About MLK Day Programming

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are important to the Steward community.

For many years, Steward recognized Dr. King’s legacy with a “day on” instead of a day off. All our students, faculty, and staff would engage with on-campus programming instead of a traditional school day. 
Several years ago, at the guidance of our Diversity & Inclusion Council, we started closing school that day and offering optional programming for families. We made this change out of respect for our families of color, who advised that they preferred to choose their own plans. This optional programming has varied, largely due to COVID-related restrictions, and last year, we were thrilled by the success of our Beloved Community conference, which served Middle and Upper School students from independent schools around the area. 
This year, we are evolving our plans once again. School will be closed on MLK Day (January 15), and some local engagement opportunities are provided below.
All students, faculty, and staff will engage with MLK-related programming in the school days that immediately follow the holiday. Middle and Upper School will gather for a community viewing of the Learning for Justice film “The Children’s March,” which focuses on the role of children and teens in sustaining the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. The film will be followed by a discussion facilitated by faculty and students. Lower School students will not watch the film; instead, they will participate in MLK-related programming with age-appropriate content and engagement within their classrooms. 
In addition, the Beloved Community model of engaging Middle and Upper School students in important conversations about belonging and inclusion will continue with optional, special school-day and evening programming throughout the winter and spring aligned with other Heritage Month events. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Optional activities to honor the work, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Note: Many of the events require (free) registration.
Sunday, January 14
Richmond Symphony: Celebrate MLK at Carpenter Theater Adult ticket prices vary by section; children of all ages are free.
Monday, January 15
1-4 p.m.: MLK Community Day, Teens R Talkin' at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
5:15 p.m.: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Vigil hosted by the VCU Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Dr. King’s fraternity)
10-11:15 a.m.: Living Wage for the Thriving of Humanity
11 a.m.: DIY service project creating blankets for Elk Hill Group Home and community packs for Peter Paul Development Center
12-1:15 p.m.: Empowering Our Youth for the Future of Humanity
5:30-6:45 p.m.: Equitable Education for Humanity

Questions? Contact Us

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Tiffany Goodman

    Tiffany Goodman 

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
    (804) 740-3394 x7521
  • Photo of Richard Smith

    Trevor Smith 

    US Humanities Teacher
    (804) 740-3394 x5563

Past Event Photos

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