Virtual MLK Celebration Set for Jan. 16
The University of Scranton will light a tribute for MLK Day on its Class of 2020 Gateway sign from Thursday evening, Jan. 13, through Monday evening, Jan. 17.The University of Scranton will join with the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King this weekend. The University will light a tribute for MLK Day on its Class of 2020 Gateway sign from Thursday evening, Jan. 13, through Monday evening, Jan. 17. The University will also host The Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission’s Annual Community Awards and Celebration program on Sunday, Jan. 16.
This year, the Greater Scranton MLK Commission’s Community Awards and Celebration will be presented as an interactive Zoom webinar with an audience Q and A. The program, which will begin at 2:30 p.m., is sponsored by Geisinger, with hosting support from the University’s Office of Community and Government Relations, Office of Equity and Diversity and Information Technology. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend.
The theme for 2022 community event is “Covid 19: Recognizing the trauma. Healing the soul” with the Greater Scranton MLK Commission focusing on the effects of the pandemic on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community with respect to mental health, stemming off of Dr. King’s quote: “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”
The webinar will include a keynote address by author, teacher and social worker Laura Quiros Ph.D., associate professor, School of Social Work, Adelphi University and director of Adelphi’s external Diversity Certificate Program. Her books include “Incorporating Diversity and Inclusion into Trauma - Informed Social Work.” She is also a contributing author of “Latinx in Social Work.” She is the recipient of Adelphi University’s Social Justice, Equity Diversity and Inclusion (SJDEI) Excellence in Teaching Award (2021).
Dr. Quiros is an affiliate partner of Coston Consulting, a certified Black-owned business advisory firm. The firm represents clients across industries and specializes in advising professional services firms, with an expertise in the legal industry. Focus areas include strategy, business development, marketing and DEI consulting.
The 2022 webinar will also include a panel discussion featuring: Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., director Office of Diversity Efforts, assistant professor, Department: School of Social Work, Marywood University; David Palmiter, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in South Abington Township and Scranton; Lauren Hazzouri, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and the founder of Hazzouri Psychology in Scranton; and Lauri Andress Ph.D., J.D., associate dean of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, associate professor, Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Also at the event, The Greater Scranton MLK Commission will honor Ida L. Castro, J.D., as the recipient of the “Distinguished Honor” award for her significant contributions and many years of diversity work in the Scranton community. Atty. Castro is the former vice president for community engagement, associate dean for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
The Commission will also present the “Agent of Change” award will be given to the Wallenpaupack Area School District for their efforts and continuing work to educate faculty, staff and students on diversity, inclusion and positive race relations.
Registration is required to attend the event. To register, visit https://safdn.org/mlk-event/. Questions about the event can be emailed to gsmlkcommission@gmail.com.
