The ALANA Cultural Center released the itinerary for Colgate University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in an email sent to the Colgate community on Tuesday, Dec. 3, previewing the week-long event set to take place from Thursday, Jan. 23 through Friday, Feb. 1, 2025. Organized by ALANA and the Dean of the College Division, this University tradition is intended to ring in the spring semester with a commemoration of the life and legacy of King.
Director of ALANA Esther Rosbrook emphasized the importance of preserving this tradition on campus.
“[MLK Celebration] reminds us of the incredible efforts of those who came before us, paving the way for the opportunities we enjoy today […]. By honoring Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality, we are also reminded of the importance of fostering a sustainable world that upholds the dignity of all people,” Rosbrook said.
Rosbrook emphasized the importance of the celebration’s theme: “shaping equitable communities and sustainable, just environments.”
“In a world where climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, it’s essential for our community to understand that equity and sustainability are deeply intertwined,” Rosbrook said. “Social justice isn’t just about equal opportunities — it’s about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their identity or background, has access to clean air, water and a healthy environment.”
In concordance with this year’s theme, Colgate welcomes Rhodes scholar and environmental activist Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru as this year’s keynote speaker. Her career includes a Narrative Fellow position at the All We Can Save Project and a recent Revolutionary Power Fellow at the United States Department of Energy. A first-generation American of Kenyan descent, Gatheru has made history as the youngest member of the Earthjustice Council, the first Black person to receive the Rhodes, Truman and Udall Scholarships and the first-ever activist board chair at the Environmental Media Association.
Rosbrook finds Gatheru’s presence at Colgate especially timely in the face of crises that demand immediate and inclusive action.
“Her leadership […] demonstrates how one person’s passion and commitment can ignite change at the intersection of advocacy, education and environmental action,” Rosbrook said. “Her work bridges the gap between grassroots movements and systemic change, showing us how social justice can be enacted in ways that create real and lasting impact.”
She will deliver her address on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. in the Colgate Memorial Chapel. Rosbrook hoped that attendees will leave the address feeling inspired and equipped to think critically about the connection between social justice and environmental sustainability.
“This keynote is an opportunity for our campus to reflect on how we can collectively shape a more equitable and sustainable world, starting with our own community. Wawa’s story reminds us that individual actions, when rooted in justice and sustainability, have the power to ripple outward, transforming communities and systems alike,” Rosbrook said. “Her message will resonate deeply as we strive to align our values with our actions, building a future that prioritizes justice not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Other events will include an Interfaith Dinner and Dialogue hosted by the Muslim Student Union and ALANA, the Death Café and the Day of Service sponsored by COVE.
ALANA looks forward to the Social Justice Summit, which will engage student leaders from Colgate and the NY6 consortium in diverse topics, and an ENST brown bag on Jan. 24, where Gatheru will host a reflection on her keynote address.
“[These events] will energize us to reflect, collaborate and take meaningful actions that create a future where equity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” Rosbrook said.
New to this year’s programming is a special opportunity for participants to join intimate, no-judgement dialogues led by Intergroup Dialogue Interns and Social Justice Peer Educators.
“Conversations like these are designed to help individuals connect, reflect and find a sense of belonging in a welcoming space. We hope these sessions create new friendships and foster understanding across our diverse community,” Rosbrook said.
Rosbrook invited community members to follow ALANA’s Instagram account, @alanaculturalcenter, to stay up to date with future announcements.
