A collaboration between Stetson and the DeLand MLK Planning Committee, MLK Week of Action 2025 is an opportunity to live into Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of peace and justice through a week of programs that connect the Stetson and DeLand communities through service, dialogue and action.

“Dr. King recognized that we can’t say that we have certain values if we’re not acting upon them,” said Kevin Winchell, director of Community Engagement. “There is an urgency to this work that compels each of us to do what we can, how we can, whenever we can, and Stetson is fully committed to creating a generation of changemakers who do just that.”

Cultural Credit will be offered for all the events hosted during the MLK Week of Action, which will take place from Saturday, Jan. 18 to Saturday, Jan. 25. Check out the full schedule of on and off-campus events.

Saturday, Jan. 18

This meaningful slate of events will kick off with the MLK Celebration Gala & Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, where Stetson’s Chaplain, Rev. Todd F. Campbell Jr., will be the keynote speaker. This formal event is free for Stetson students, faculty and staff, though seating is limited. Those interested in attending must register online at www.stetson.edu/mlk by Thursday, Jan. 16. Other community members can purchase tickets through the MLK Planning Committee’s website at www.mlkdeland.com.

Monday, Jan. 20

Join hundreds of local community members in the annual MLK Unity March at 10:30 a.m. This one-mile march will begin at the Museum of Art (600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand) and proceed to Earl Brown Park in time for the MLK Festival, which will begin at noon. The annual MLK Festival will feature family-friendly live performances, local businesses and non-profit activity booths, and food trucks from noon to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

There are two exciting on-campus opportunities for reflection and dialogue on Tuesday, Jan, 21.

PAUSE for Beloved Community, hosted by the Office of Religion and Spiritual Life from 4-5 p.m. in CUB 280 (Student Lounge), will invite each of us to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while building renewed hope for the work of justice.

Later that evening, the Center for Community Engagement will host Things We Don’t Talk About At Dinner: Race Edition from 5:30-7 p.m. in CUB Lee’s Garage. Rather than relying on talking points we hear in the news media and politics, this event encourages participants to think for themselves and learn from one another with curiosity instead of judgment in small-group discussions — all while enjoying dinner catered by Moe’s.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Get your ticket soon for the MLK Life & Legacy Luncheon hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This luncheon will honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and continue the journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future. This event is free for Stetson students, faculty and staff, though seating is limited. Those interested in attending must register online by Thursday, Jan. 16.

Friday, Jan. 24

Join the Environmental Club and Campus Climate Action Corps for a clean-up of the Hatter Harvest Garden at the Rinker Environmental Learning Center (230 E. Michigan Ave., by the Lynn Business Center and Gillespie Museum) from 4:30-6 p.m. Bring comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and wear close-toed shoes. Gloves and supplies will be provided. Online registration is encouraged at www.stetson.edu/mlk.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Join the Environmental Fellows and Campus Climate Action Corps for a clean-up of the landscape around the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (2636 Alhambra Ave., DeLand — about a 10-minute drive from campus) from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The landscape around the Aquatic Center was significantly affected by flooding during the hurricanes in the Fall 2024 semester, so all are welcomed to help with restoring the habitat. Bring comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and wear close-toed shoes. Gloves and supplies will be provided. Online registration is encouraged at www.stetson.edu/mlk.