Legacy of Courage: Celebrating the Voice that Inspired Change
For over three decades, Capital University has been committed to recognizing, celebrating, and embodying the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rather than treating this day as a "day off," we encourage our campus and community members to engage in a "day on" — a day to be inspired by Dr. King’s vision, reflect on his contributions to civil rights, and actively participate in community-building efforts.
Capital University continuously seeks creative and meaningful ways to honor Dr. King’s impactful teachings. We do this by exploring history in its entirety, including the political climate, the contributions of other civil rights leaders, the arts, and more. As an educational and religious institution, we proudly fulfill our role as a center for support, empowerment, cultural preservation, and innovation, creating a place where all are welcomed and inspired.
Join us on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members unite to celebrate Dr. King’s life, legacy, and enduring impact on our world.
Opening Keynote Livestream
State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells
Gay S. Steele Keynote Speaker
State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells is serving his third term in the Ohio General Assembly, representing House District 1, which includes the City of Bexley and portions of Columbus. Widely regarded as one of the most effective Democratic legislators in the Ohio House, Rep. Jarrells has earned a reputation as a transformative leader and a tireless advocate for progress, equity, and opportunity.
Born and raised in Cleveland’s historic Hough neighborhood, Rep. Jarrells grew up surrounded by the challenges that countless Ohioans face every day. Families struggling to find affordable housing, children attending underfunded schools, and communities fighting for access to basic healthcare were not abstract issues—they were his lived reality. As a lead poisoning survivor, he understands the deeply personal impact of environmental injustice and systemic inequities. These experiences shaped his worldview and ignited his passion to build a brighter, fairer future for all.
Rep. Jarrells’s legislative record showcases his unwavering dedication to creating a better Ohio for all families. He has secured $150 million for lead prevention programs and passed landmark legislation, including the Paystub Protection Act, which guarantees workers access to their pay statements; a law providing no-cost lead abatement for water lines; and legislation empowering attorneys to independently remove discriminatory deed restrictions. He has also spearheaded efforts to remove offensive language from Ohio’s state code and successfully designated January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Beyond his legislative achievements, Rep. Jarrells has delivered millions of dollars in funding to House District 1 and Franklin County, supporting local initiatives and capital projects that strengthen the region.
Join us as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with impactful events on the 34th annual MLK Day of Learning at Capital University. From the community gathering to thought-provoking workshops and small business market, there’s something for everyone to celebrate, reflect, and engage.
Schedule at a Glance
9 a.m.- Community Gathering
10 a.m. - Opening Convocation
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Hank Marr Jazz Luncheon
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Local and Small Business Market
11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Workshops
12 to 4 p.m. - Schumacher Gallery Open
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Community Engagement Opportunities
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Health Resources and Education
Community Engagement Opportunities
All Community Engagement activities will be held in the Convergent Media Center.
School Supply Bag Assembly: Help Capital compile school supply bags for students in the Greater Columbus area. Donations of unopened school supplies and personal care items are also welcome.
Oral History Project: Share your experiences with MLK Day at Capital University and beyond. Capital is collecting stories from campus and community members to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Sign up for an on-campus recording session or submit a testimonial online before the event.
Health Resources and Education
Explore health resources and educational materials provided by campus staff and external partners.
Cap Cupboard and Cap Closet
Donate professional attire to Cap Closet and food to Cap Cupboard to support students’ professional and food security needs.
Volunteers Needed
Join us for this year’s MLK Day of Learning, a meaningful opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to our community. We’re calling on the Capital community—students, faculty, and staff—to volunteer your time and talents for this impactful day of learning. Sign up today and be a part of creating positive change!
Workshops
RISE
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
Conservatory of Music, Huntington Recital Hall
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. RISE’s curriculum is designed to empower sports administrators/staff, coaches and athletes to be leaders in discussing and addressing matters of racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusivity. The multifaceted curriculum is structured to be experiential and provide participants with a safe environment to learn.
Faith in Action: The Church’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement and Beyond
1 - 2:15 p.m.
Ruff Memorial Learning Center, Bridge of Learning
Rev. Floria Washington, Second Baptist Church
Dr. Donald L. Huber, Fred W. Meuser Professor Emeritus of Church History, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Join Central Ohio political leaders for a compelling discussion on the church’s role during the Civil Rights Movement. Explore how religious institutions acted as hubs for activism, community support, and moral guidance. The panel will also discuss the ongoing influence of faith-based organizations on today’s political and social landscapes, addressing justice, equality, and empowerment.
Rhythms of Unity: A Movement & Music Journey Through African and African American Culture
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Harry C. Moores Student Union, Schneider North
Candice Flows, Inc.
Candice Flows, Inc., joined by live djembe musicians, leads a 90-minute workshop blending movement, music, and storytelling rooted in West African and African American traditions. This interactive experience highlights the historical and cultural significance of these art forms, fostering unity and social change. Through arts and education, attendees explore creative expression as a tool for empowerment, reflecting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for a just society.
I’m Truly Yours, America: Film Screening and Q&A
1:45 - 2:30 p.m.
Convergent Media Center, Room 121
Capital University’s award-winning Immersion course partnered with the Ohio History Connection to revitalize educational programming on Ohio’s Underground Railroad history. Over nearly a year, students created the documentary, “I’m Truly Yours, America: The Life and Times of Joshua McCarter Simpson.” Highlighting this lesser-known abolitionist and writer from Morgan County, Ohio, the film educates youth and amplifies Black voices in history. The premiere includes a Q&A with the filmmaking team, exploring interdisciplinary challenges and Simpson’s legacy.
Local and Small Business Market
The Local and Small Business Market will take place in the Harry C. Moores Student Union.
Bexley Chamber of Commerce
Blaque Diamond Ink
Divine Hands, LLC
Events and Custom Creations by Tasha
Joi Candles
JP Morgan Chase
Ju’Ellz Designz
Sundai Parfumerie
ReBejeweled Accessories
Schumacher Gallery at Capital University
12 – 4 p.m.
Blackmore Library, Fourth Floor
Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery offers a wonderfully diverse selection of over 3,200 works with over 2,500 years of cultural history for study and enjoyment. It provides the university and the community with extensive programs of special focus exhibits, lectures, and art-related events.
The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr. and the Art of Sports Photography
January 20 - April 5, 2025
This exhibition takes visitors through some of the most inspiring moments in sports history and highlights the craft and talent of Walter Iooss Jr., an American photographer who transformed iconic moments into works of art. The exhibit features professional portraits, action shots, and original “Sports Illustrated” magazine covers that feature athletes as diverse as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, and many more.
Among the gallery’s treasures, visitors can discover the ingenuity of the painter, the mastery of the ceramist, and the virtuosity of the sculptor. In keeping with Dr. King’s vision or equality and representation for all people, we offer a wide variety of art and culture leaning towards focusing on cultures that tend to be underrepresented.
- The Photography Gallery is comprised of photos by notable artists of our time including Isle Bing, Larry Fink, Ken Heyman, Jeannette Klute, Herman Leonard, Leon Levinstein, Louis Stettner, and Garry Winograd that add to the rich diversity of the gallery’s collections.
- The African Gallery celebrates art from all over Africa and is one of the largest collections on display in the state representing more cultures and tribes than any other collection in the area. This collection includes significant works from the Yoruba, Dan, Dogon, Chokwe, Baule, Fang, Kuba, Senufo, and Songeye cultures.
- The Inuit Gallery is one of the largest collections of soapstone carvings in the Midwest. It includes over 300 soapstone sculptures and prints from various Inuit artists including Kenojuak Ashevak, Kanganginak Pootoogook, Aoudla Pudlat, and Jonasie Quaraqotok.
- The Asian Collection acquaints visitors with the beauty of traditional and contemporary Asian dating back 2,500 years art including Ming porcelain and Tang dynasty sculpture and is one of the only permanent collections in the city.
- The Ohio collection features prominent artists such as George Bellows, Charles Burchfied, Robert Henri, Elijah Pierce, Edward Potthast, Alice Schille, David Blythe, and Robert Chadeayne. This collection is the only permanent display of Ohio artists on display in Columbus.