“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” wrote Martin Luther King, Jr. in his 1963 book, Strength to Love.
These words of Dr. King carry a universal message of character—one that many can relate to through the challenging circumstances of 2020. And in the face of this year’s challenges, the Gettysburg College community has, time and time again, banded together to support and uplift each other.
This close-knit sense of community at the College is a persistent pursuit, in both moments of comfort and moments of challenge, much like Dr. King spoke to nearly four decades ago. With this in mind, every January, to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Gettysburg College and the broader Gettysburg community come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.
During a typical year, the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration consists of a variety of musical performances and commemorative speeches, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 41st annual celebration will take on a different form. In lieu of an in-person event, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), is selling yard signs featuring some of the inspiring words of Dr. King.
“The College is happy to have the opportunity to come together with our Adams County community in such a creative way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I hope that these signs will stand as a visual representation of our collective commitment to becoming what Dr. King referred to as a ‘beloved community,’” said Chief Diversity Officer Jeanne Arnold.
The signs (see below) can be pre-ordered for $10 while supplies last, by filling out this form, and a member of the YWCA staff will contact you for your payment. Or, you may complete the order form and submit it with your payment, via mail or drop off. All proceeds from the sign sale will benefit SCCAP’s Adams County Career Aid Project, which assists local, low-income youth and adults with costs related to post-high school education and training. Pick up for the signs will begin the week of Jan. 4 at the YWCA.
For more information about the sign fundraiser, please contact Jesse Mains, coordinator of institutional diversity initiatives, at 717-337-6375 or jmains@gettysburg.edu.
Preview of posters available to purchase.
By Molly Foster
Photos courtesy of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County, and SCCAP
Posted: 12/09/20
