January 15, 2019

Dear Students and Colleagues:

As the nation prepares to mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the legacy of this great civil rights leader remains as vital and important as ever. In the coming days, countless numbers of Americans will pitch in together on volunteer community projects of every imaginable kind, as a fitting tribute to Dr. King’s memory.

The Drexel community will be doing its part, with activities coordinated by the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. In addition, I encourage you to check out opportunities for service across the region through the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service or the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 21 also provides an occasion for all of us to reflect. Where are we as a nation? Are we living up to Dr. King’s humanitarian ideals of social justice, equal opportunity, and the adherence to nonviolence as a way of life?

Answering those questions in the affirmative has never been easy — not a half-century ago when Dr. King walked among us, nor today. With the all-too-pervasive evidence of racial enmity and inequality in places around the country, each of us is called upon to consider ways that we can contribute to healing, justice, and prosperity for all.

We are better in every way when we demonstrate a high regard for people of all backgrounds. And while we continue to be challenged to reaffirm an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, I believe that we can move forward by embracing the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — and ensuring, to borrow his words, that the long arc of the moral universe bends towards justice.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President