CGS Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

As we look ahead to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, CGS recognizes the extraordinary legacy of Dr. King. As a teacher, scholar and advocate, Dr. King shaped the conditions in which all Americans, and people around the world, could more deeply understand and begin to dismantle structures of racism. His legacy has powerfully informed scholarship on racial inequities, and, just as important, inspired action to use this knowledge to challenge injustices everywhere.

This work did not begin with Dr. King and it is the responsibility of all people to continue it today. On this holiday, CGS recognizes all people who have worked towards justice – those whose names we know and those whose names we will never know. We invite our members and partners to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and to join us in recommitting to work towards justice in our own lives and workplaces.

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. We encourage our members, organizational partners, and current graduate students to volunteer on January 16, and to join our community throughout the year in advancing equity and inclusion in graduate education.