MCC and Living the Dream Partners to Host Virtual MLK Jr. Event

“Social progress is never attained by passive waiting. It comes only through the tireless efforts and passionate concern of dedicated individuals,” said Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his address delivered at the National Biennial Convention of the American Jewish Congress on May 14, 1958 in Miami Beach, Fla.

For over 20 years, the Living the Dream Event has celebrated the teachings and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., first started by Lura Smith and family, and the Middlesex Community College Foundation.

A time for reflection and inspiration, at the 2022 virtual event, the Living the Dream Partners and Middlesex Community College invite the community to “take action” and do something meaningful inspired by Dr. King’s “Living the Dream.”

“From the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we have learned that even small actions lead to big changes,” said the Living the Dream Partners. “As we focus on creating a more equitable community, standing up for civil rights, and fighting against institutional racism, it is important that we not only ‘take action,’ but motivate others to do so as well.”

The celebration seeks to highlight the ways in which community members’ daily actions make a positive change in the lives of others. This year’s event will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, streaming on YouTube.

Darcy Orellana, MCC’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, emphasizes the importance of “intentionally participating in ongoing racial healing learning and practice.”

“This program has a history of bringing us together for the day,” Orellana said. “This year, we are called to action beyond just the day to envision what the community might look, feel and be like when racism is ended. Through relationship building, truth-telling and healing, we have the foundations for racial equity and transformative change together.”

Joining MCC as a 2022 Living the Dream Partner is the Lowell Community Health Center.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve as a partner and sponsor of the Living the Dream celebration to honor the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Susan West Levine, CEO, Lowell Community Health Center. “It is an opportunity for us all to collectively renew our commitment to anti-racism and to continue to take bold steps, both large and small, in support of a just and equitable community."

Additional 2022 Living the Dream Partners are the African Community Center of Lowell, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, The Center for Hope and Healing, Coalition For A Better Acre, Community Teamwork, EforAll, Enterprise Bank, Girls Inc., The Foundation Mixer, LTC, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the MCC Foundation.

Sponsors for the event include Vision Maker sponsors Enterprise Bank and Lowell Community Health Center. A student attending Middlesex or UMass Lowell will receive the Living the Dream Partners Scholarship, funded by proceeds from this year’s celebration.

This year’s event will recognize four Living the Dream Together Award recipients for their service to the community and will feature musical and dance performances as well as pledges and reflections from across the community.

Visit https://livingthedreampartners.org/ for more information about the Living the Dream Partners, volunteer opportunities in the community, and sponsorship opportunities to go toward supporting student success.

Registration is now open for MCC’s Spring 2022 semester, starting on Monday, January 24. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!