Virtual winter intersession classes and remote business operations at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses will close on Monday, Jan. 18, when the university observes the state holiday commemorating the late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.

Also in honor of King, the CSUSB Office of Community Engagement will host “Listen. Learn. Share. MLK Day of Service Virtual Celebration” beginning that day through Wednesday, Jan. 20. The event is open to students, faculty and staff.

Intersession classes and remote business operations will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with final exams scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 20. The spring semester, which will also take place remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin on Monday, Jan. 25 (Saturday classes begin on Jan. 23).

Though the governor’s office has extended the stay-at-home declaration due to the pandemic, it will not prevent students, faculty and staff from participating in the annual MLK Day of Service. The event flyer reads, “This Day of Service is an opportunity to unite at a time when the global pandemic calls for us to work together and support our communities.

“Join the Office of Community Engagement in our LISTEN. LEARN. SHARE. MLK Day of Service Event. This event will celebrate the Civil Rights leader’s life by offering opportunities to learn about Dr. King, reflect on his legacy, and share how you have been inspired to give back to your community.”

Participants may get involved by:

  • Step 1. Students, faculty, staff and the campus community can listen to a podcast episode OR attend MLK virtual events hosted by the California African American Museum (CAAM) on Monday Jan. 18. Podcasts can be heard at the World House Podcast webpage, with virtual events taking place on the CAAM MLK Day Celebration 2021 website from 10 a.m-3:30 p.m.
  • Step 2. Reflect while listening. Ask yourself questions such as, “Where was Dr. King trying to take the Civil Rights movement? What does his vision have in common with where you think we need to go today?”
  • Step 3. Record a 15-20 second audio clip. After listening to the audio clips or participating in CAAM’s virtual activities, how have you been inspired to give back?
  • Step 4. Submit your clip for an opportunity to receive OCE SWAG. Submitted clips may be highlighted on our social media, website, or used for future programs. Submit your clip by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, for an opportunity to receive OCE swag. 

King, who was killed by an assassin on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn., was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights movement. He was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, the organization responsible for the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott from 1955 to 1956.

He was arrested 30 times for his participation in civil rights activities. Founder and president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1957 to 1968, King was also vice president of the national Sunday School and Baptist Teaching Union Congress of the National Baptist Convention.

In addition to his civil rights work, King is most noted for his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington in 1963; his acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964; his last sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church; and his final speech in Memphis (“I’ve been to the mountaintop …”).

His “Letter from Birmingham Jail” ranks among the most important documents of the American Civil Rights movement.