Martin Luther King Day (January 16, 2023)

To the Bowdoin community,

Today we remember and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who devoted his life to overcoming racism and discrimination in America. 

Born ninety-four years ago yesterday on January 15, 1929, Dr. King was just thirty-nine years old when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1968. Four years earlier, he had come to Bowdoin at the invitation of students. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to listen to the recording of his talk delivered to students, faculty, staff, and members of the Brunswick community in First Parish Church, and to watch the short video about his visit to the College, which includes memories of the students who invited him and met with him during his visit. 

We are working every day at Bowdoin to create a shared sense of belonging and equity of opportunity for every member of our community. I hope you will take a moment today to reflect on Dr. King’s life and vision, and in particular what it is that you can do both here at Bowdoin and in the world outside to help move his dream closer to reality. 

All the best, 

Clayton