Journey Toward Justice: Dickinson Launches Social Justice Month
A plaque outside the building now known as Allison Hall commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to campus in 1961. The first Social Justice Month event will be held in that building. Photo by Dan Loh.
MLK Day event kicks off January celebrations, learning and action
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Sixty-five years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a rousing call to social justice in the building now known as Allison Hall, Dickinsonians will once again gather in that same spot—this time to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy at Dickinson and kick off a series of social-justice events and educational initiatives.
Journey Toward Justice: MLK Day and Social Justice Month is a series of events highlighting ongoing social justice at Dickinson—and the many ways students, faculty and staff can get involved. Faculty members are encouraged to deepen the experience by integrating MLK Day and social justice themes and programs into their classes.
The series runs from Jan. 19—the first day of spring classes as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Day—through Jan. 31.
Campuswide commitment
Social Justice Month is Dickinson’s second-annual multiday social-justice series for the start of the spring semester—and it is double the length of last year’s weeklong celebration.
“One of the things we hope to convey through Social Justice Week is that social justice at Dickinson is buzzing. We’re not shying away from it—we’re highlighting it and uplifting it,” says Jessica Chapman Lape, director of Dickinson’s Center for Spirituality & Social Justice, who co-chairs the event’s all-college planning committee with Marni Jones, dean and director of Access & Disability Services and SOAR. “We’re not bringing social justice to campus through this series. We’re helping students, faculty and staff to see what’s already happening here and inviting them to learn more and get involved.”
Notably, the events are hosted by a variety of Dickinson centers, departments and student groups. That’s because social justice work is not confined to one department or division. Instead, it reaches all across campus and into the local community.
Highlights include a food drive, performances, film screenings, discussions, lectures, interactive sessions and a Red Devil clothing drive and sports clinic. There's also a wealth of teaching and learning resources on the series website, including audio and video recordings, guided lessons, lesson plans and more.
Get involved!
- Monday, Jan. 19: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
An evening celebrating community and legacy featuring guest speaker Rogette Harris, executive director of Hope Station. This hourlong (5-6 p.m.) event includes a musical selection by the Dickinson College Choir and reflections by DIckinsonians. Refreshments provided. - Monday, Jan. 19: Community Sports Clinic
A free sports clinic, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for children of Dickinson employees (K–6th grades). Registration required by Jan. 17. - Wednesday, Jan. 21: Day of Service: Street Ready Gear and Grub Pop-Up
Help the Center for Civic Learning & Action distribute supplies and meals to unsheltered neighbors in Cumberland County. RSVP via EngageD. - Friday, Jan. 23: Dickinson Club Event for Faculty and Staff
Open to Dickinson faculty and staff and hosted by Dickinson’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division. - Saturday, Jan. 24: Basketball Games and Winter Clothing Drive
Donate new or gently used winter clothing at the men’s or women’s basketball game (2 or 4 p.m.) and receive a free T-shirt. - Monday, Jan. 26: Expanding Sanctuary Screening and Discussion
Join the Women & Gender Resource Center’s Latina Discussion Group for a film screening and discussion on immigration and activism. Open to all. - Tuesday, Jan. 27: Ask Me Anything!: Religious Pluralism
Students in the Multifaith Student Council will answer questions about their religious, spiritual and secular traditions. - Wednesday, Jan. 28: Film Screening: Emancipation and Live History Panel Discussion
Join the Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity for a film screening and a panel discussion featuring Pennsylvania Past Players, interpreters of 19th-century historical figures. - Thursday, Jan. 29: Challah for Hunger
Bake challah bread to benefit a local nonprofit and join conversations with peers about hunger and food insecurity.
A journey, not a destination
As Chapman Lape notes, these events are designed for participants at any stage of the journey toward social justice. And “journey” is the operative word here.
“We’re calling this series ‘Journey Toward Justice’ because we know that social justice is not something we have fully accomplished,” Chapman Lape stresses. “It’s something that we can all work toward, together.”
To learn more about Social Justice Month events and explore teaching and learning resources, visit the Social Justice Month website.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published January 9, 2026