January 3, 2024

We are excited to unveil a series of community events from January 8 – 20, commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This series, embodying the theme “The Power to Do, Dream and Believe,” is a collaborative effort involving Triad Cultural Arts, university partners and several members of our community. All events are free and open to the public.

The kick-off event on January 8 at the Mazie Woodruff Center will start the series. Dr. Allen Griffin will deliver a motivational speech, and the Triad Cultural Arts Pop-Up Salon will be on display throughout the week. The program begins at 10:30 a.m., and attendees can enjoy light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

On January 11, the MLK Jr. Keynote Symposium at the Robert L. Strickland Auditorium on Main Campus will feature Stephanie Tyson and Vivian Joiner of Sweet Potatoes Restaurant. Moderated by Dr. Aerial Smith, this event promises an engaging conversation about the journey of Black entrepreneurs in the culinary world.

The series continues on January 20 with a volunteer opportunity in collaboration with Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest University and community agencies, honoring Dr. King’s leadership through the annual Read-In. Interested individuals can attend information sessions on January 9, and should email rebollc@wfu.edu for additional information. The deadline for signing up is January 12, 2024.

The celebration concludes with the display of the Triad Cultural Arts Pop-Up Salon at the Robert L. Strickland Center on Main Campus from January 20 – February 22. The exhibit features artifacts and history, including videos of interviews with members of our community that participated in historical moments in the Civil Rights and Black Liberation Movements.

We encourage everyone to join these inspiring events to honor the enduring impact of Dr. King’s work and to engage with our community in meaningful ways.