Doane University is committed to intentional action above words regarding service, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025 will be no exception. Instead of just one day of education and service, we'll host a week's worth of programming from Monday, January 20th through Friday, January 24th.
The theme for our third-annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week, "MISSION POSSIBLE: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy", summarizes our purpose perfectly. Students, faculty, and staff from all campuses, plus alumni and community members, are encouraged to join us as they can.
We empower you to set personal goals and action steps this week by completing your very own Call to Action.
FILL OUT YOUR CALL TO ACTION HERE!
We have several volunteer opportunities and collection drives during MLK Week. Learn more!
Check out our daily events (and add them to your calendar via a desktop device)!
MLK Week 2025
Monday, Jan. 20 (MLK Day)
Coffee & Conversation (10 a.m.)
Doane University will also stream The National Civil Rights Museum's virtual programming during this gathering. The presentation will share a message of hope and unity through a virtual presentation that includes creative tributes and community testimonials. It features a discussion of who King was as a leader of peace and justice, with a fresh perspective on his humanity, and a focus on his 1968 book Where Do We Go from Here?: Chaos or Community, in the context of today’s climate.
LINCOLN - 10 a.m. in the Fred Brown Building
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
Tuesday, Jan. 21
MLK Kick-off Event - Proclamation Reading (10 a.m., Trobough - upper-level of Perry Campus Center)
At 10 a.m., campus partners are welcome to join us in Trobough for a proclamation, reflection, and remarks. This kick-off event will be live via Zoom, and we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to pause simultaneously—wherever they are (classrooms, offices, etc.) or in person—to listen to a message from special guests regarding MLK Week 2025.
- JOIN THE ZOOM!
Meeting ID: 912 1927 3736
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
MLK Information Desk (Noon to 1 p.m., Information Desk - upper-level of Perry Campus Center)
Learn more about the week and service opportunities, receive stickers, enjoy conversation, and more.
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
Wednesday, Jan. 22

Breaking Barriers: Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in BIPOC Communities, a webinar ft. Dalia Ruvalcaba (Noon-1 p.m.)
- Online Webinar via Zoom
REGISTER HERE NOW
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
- Join the Zoom (Meeting ID: 934 8312 5092)
Service Opportunity: MLK Book Reading & Activity with CCLC After School Program (4-5 p.m. in Crete)
In the Crete Community - Learn more and sign up via Helper Helper!
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
MLK Vigil 2025 (7 p.m.) ft. Myeisha Essex
Heckman Auditorium, Communications Building - Don't miss this signature event of MLK Week, which features special guests, members of the Doane Choir, readings, and more!
Myeisha Essex serves as the Associate Director at YWCA Lincoln. She is responsible for ensuring that YWCA’s mission is carried out through programming and organizational structure. Myeisha graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Political Science. While studying at Howard University, Myeisha learned the importance of community collaboration and achievement, as well as servant leadership. Those principals have guided her throughout her career of working for nonprofits to ensure all voices are represented and resources are provided on equitable basis. Myeisha has had the privilege of piloting community-based programs with Civic Nebraska, LPS Community Learning Centers and Girls Inc. of Lincoln.
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
Thursday, Jan. 23
The Story Through My Eyes - ART Session (1 p.m. - 3:15)
LOCATION: Art/Ed 107
Registered guests will be planning out a design on a 6x6 bisque ceramic tile in pencil, followed by adding various glazes to the surface to be fired. Guests will come up with their own stories for each tile, referring to the title - A Story Through My Eyes.
TWO SESSIONS: Session 1 from 1-2 p.m., session 2 from 2:15-3:15 p.m.
REGISTER HERE NOW
- Add to your Google Calendar now!
Friday, Jan. 24
"A Time to Break the Silence" Presentation with Drs. Dorsey and Perkins (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
Lincoln Campus (Admin 117) - Don't miss this informational session featuring Dr. Jamar Dorsey and Dr. Teresa Perkins.
Following the presentation, don't miss our book bundling service opportunity.
- Add to your Google Calendar now!