Journalist and author Ray Suarez keynote highlights Salve MLK Week celebrations
Our annual MLK Week tradition continues at Salve Regina University with an inspirational series of events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in which we examine the history of the civil rights movement and the impact of persistent racial disparities.
The celebrations run from Sunday, Jan. 26 through Friday, Jan. 31, and include everything from spoken word and song performances to a day of service, a mercy walk, reading and discussions, a formal brunch and an inspirational keynote. We invite all to join us, as many of these events are open to the public as well as the Salve community.
“Being involved in the events of MLK Week is an inspiring experience for students like me. It allows us to put into practice the important rhetoric of Dr. King that still holds true today,” shared Nyla White ’26, political science major and student leader at the University. “Introducing students to essential conversations through these events plays a crucial role in advancing efforts toward inclusion and equality.”
Michelle Ostolaza ’21, assistant director of admissions at Salve, added, “Participating in MLK Week is more than just an activity, it’s an experience! It helps build community by honoring the work of Dr. King through celebration and conversation. Students can find new communities by attending events and also foster the communities they have by engaging in learning experiences together.”
For the full schedule and to register for events, visit the MLK Week webpage.
Keynote to focus on immigration
The highlight of the week is the keynote, which will be presented Jan. 27, by veteran broadcaster, journalist and author Ray Suarez. He is the host of “On Shifting Ground,” a radio program syndicated nationally on NPR and PRX stations that explores international fault lines and features conversations with leaders, journalists and policy experts to read between the headlines and give us hope for human resilience.
In his presentation, Suarez will reflect on the work of his new book, “We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century: an Oral History,” sharing the voices, contributions, stories and struggles of immigrants seeking freedom, dignity and humanity.
From 2013-2016, Suarez was the host of Al Jazeera America’s daily news program, “Inside Story.” Prior to that he spent 14 years as a correspondent and anchor at public television’s nightly newscast, “The PBS NewsHour,” where he rose to become chief national correspondent. Before that he was the Washington-based host of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” for six years.
“Reclaiming the Great World House: The Global Vision of MLK Jr.,” will be the featured text in the MLK Week Inclusive Reading Club community event, in addition to Ray Suarez’s book: “We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century: an Oral History.” The essays explore how Dr. King’s policies and beliefs might play out today and how we can use his vision to solve some of the world’s problems.
“MLK Week at Salve is an opportunity to explore the intersection of anti-racism and mercy while we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Dr. Sami Nassim, assistant vice president for diversity initiatives and retention. “It’s wonderful to see our faculty encouraging students to engage in this kind of informal learning as we all work to help create a world that is more just, kind and merciful.”
For the full MLK Week 2025 schedule and to register for events, visit the MLK Week webpage.
