SFA’s MLK Day of Service slated for Jan. 16

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is encouraging students, faculty, staff and the Nacogdoches community to participate in the 2023 MLK Day of Service. The event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who inspired thousands of people around the United States to make positive impacts in their communities. 

“By participating in community service in the Nacogdoches community, SFA students and Nacogdoches organizations are closing divides and showing that there is strength in coming together,” said Kori Lewis, OMA graduate assistant. “Nacogdoches is home to many people native to East Texas, and it’s also a community for SFA students from different cities, states and countries to pursue higher education. SFA and Nacogdoches cultures are intertwined, so we must acknowledge and create a connection so as not to divide our community.”

The annual event will take place Jan. 16. Interested participants can register at sfasu.edu/oma. Check-in and a complimentary breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the second floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center, followed by a performance by SFA’s A Capella Choir and a panel discussion with four SFA faculty and staff members: Dr. Court Carney, professor of history; Dr. Flora Farago, associate professor of human sciences; Dr. Aryendra Chakravartty, associate professor of history; and Trina Menefee, academic advisor in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. 

According to Dr. Veronica Beavers, SFA’s deputy chief diversity officer and OMA director, organizers are expecting approximately 600 participants in this year’s event.

“This is a time for faculty, staff, students and community members to work together to help improve the Nacogdoches community,” Beavers said. “Though it is a day off for SFA classes, we want it to be a day on for service.”

Participants will volunteer at service sites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then return to campus for a drive-thru celebration where they will receive a free lunch and T-shirt. 

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/oma.