Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


January 18, 2022

Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,

Today, we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We honor Dr. King’s historic contributions to the civil rights movement by serving, building community, and fighting for racial justice.

In my first weeks as President, I have met a community of outstanding leaders with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and interests who share a commitment to equity, caring for one another, and making our country and the world a better place.  As we embark on our third century, I know you will continue this tradition and your dedication to leadership. 

The George Washington University, in the center of our nation’s capital, has great power to use education, scholarship, and research to bring positive solutions to society’s most pressing problems.  And we know that our ability to excel in this work is strengthened by our foundational commitment and actions to support and strengthen diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all—both on our campuses and beyond.

While we pause to reflect on Dr. King’s ideals today, and strive to live by them every day, I hope you will join me for our virtual Day of Service and Leadership.  I encourage you to review the full calendar and participate in events throughout King Week 2022. Thank you for all you do to support our university and for your work to move toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

Sincerely yours,

Mark S. Wrighton
President