‘What are you doing for others?’”
—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day 2024
Saturday, January 13 – Engagement Opportunities
Monday, January 15 – BPI Alumni/ae Panel and Workshops
Plus Special Events January 11, 12, and 14
Every year, on and around MLK Day, the Bard College Center for Civic Engagement provides a variety of opportunities for students to carry out the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. But first, scroll down to read about all the different ways you can make an impact on MLK Day of Engagement 2024 and links to sign up.
Calendar of Events
MLK Day 2024 On- and Off-Campus Engagement Opportunities
Saturday, January 13th
Engage in one activity between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
You will be assigned to an in-person engagement opportunity based on your preferences and availability of the activity. Transportation is provided for off-campus engagement opportunities, as well as meals if taking place during lunch.
Monday, January 15
BPI Panel on Disenfranchisement & Citizenship
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Olin Auditorium
Shawn Young ’19
Shawn Young ’19 serves as the project lead for Upstate Reentry and Capital Region Initiatives at BPI, demonstrating a long-standing and significant commitment to justice reform in New York. A prominent figure in grassroots activism, he cofounded the All Of Us Community Action Group. This Black-led organization is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the BIPOC community.
His expertise spans community organizing and mobilization, activism, advocacy, and project management. Presently, Shawn plays a key role in the Greater Capital Region's community leadership, he has been instrumental in leading civil actions, fostering community dialogues, and nurturing the leadership skills of the youth and community members returning home from incarceration in the Capital Region.
Tammar Cancer ’17
As Assistant to the Executive Director and Director of Special Projects, Tammar Cancer ’17 supports the development of the Executive Director’s organizational agenda through a wide array of activities, including participating in Advocacy and Organizing rallies at the State Capitol, lobbying New York City Council members, and acting as liaison to CCA’s Board of Directors.
Tammar is also leading CCA’s efforts to open its first cannabis dispensary in Syracuse and develop youth services programming in Albany. An alumnus of the Bard Prison Initiative, Tammar earned his bachelor’s degree in 2017.
Jon Romano
After spending 17 years in prison, Jon Romano now shares his story to raise awareness about mental health and how to help prevent violence. He has done speaking engagements with school resource officers, the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, and local community groups around Albany, New York. He currently spends his time helping with the Choose Love Movement encouraging Social Emotional Learning.
Carl Snyder ’17
Carl Snyder ’17, also known as Carl C. Hereford Jr., spent 25 years in New York State prisons where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was a leader in educational and health programs, notably in HIV/AIDS counseling, and played a key role in spiritual and community activities.
Carl gained recognition as part of the Bard Prison Initiative Debate Team and later pursued further studies at the New York Theological Seminary. Since his release, Carl has been involved in public health education, teaching, and is working on a screenplay and a memoir. At 47, he is a father and a family role model, focusing his efforts on public health advocacy and violence prevention.
MLK Day 2024 Workshops
Monday, January 15, 1:00–4:00 pm
You will be assigned to a workshop based on your preferences and availability.
MLK Day of Engagement 2024 Workshop
Monday, January 15
1:00–4:00 pm
MLK DAY FELLOWS
Miala Wilkerson ’26
Miala Wilkerson ’26 is a sophomore majoring in psychology. On campus, she is a cohead for the Black Student Organization and Chronik Vibez Step Team, coleader for the TLS project ASP at the African Roots, and a peer counselor, as well as being an MLK Day Fellow. Growing up, she knew that helping students become the best version of themselves was her calling, and being a student advocate was the best way to do so!
Looking Back
On MLK Day of Engagement 2021
Bard students and staff took part in a conversation on Black-owned businesses with Cynthia Herivaux, owner of Cyn’s Sweet Tooth in Poughkeepsie; wrote letters to students at Ramapo for Children, which serves children and young adults with learning differences and special needs in Rhinebeck; and participated in virtual workshops with local and national organizations, including the library at the A. J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center in Kingston, which promotes literacy through teaching and learning about the African roots experience, and Braver Angels, a national citizens movement to reduce political polarization in the United States.
On MLK Day of Engagement 2020
Bard College students, staff, and faculty celebrated the 10th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Engagement with a host of events on and off campus. Beginning on Saturday, January 18 and continuing on Monday, January 20, Bard students participated in a series of volunteer projects, civic engagement workshops, and a miniconference on campus. Most participants were first-years on campus for Citizen Science; they were joined by 42 Upper College student leaders.
The weekend's events—organized by the Bard Center for Civic Engagement, the Office of Sustainability, and the Citizen Science Program, in cooperation with local nonprofits—take place as part of the nationwide Day of Service that marks the King holiday. Volunteers around the country respond to Dr. King's call, "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"
Making a Difference
On the MLK Day of Engagement 2019, Bard students volunteered at Bard's Montgomery Place Campus, pruning and clearing brush on the historic property.