Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium & Day of Service

Central Connecticut State University has announced that Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the celebrated human rights activist Nelson Mandela, will speak at the University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium & Day of Service as Keynote Speaker.

CCSU says that, “As co-founder and chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity, Mandela aims to teach Nelson Mandela’s ethics and philosophy to the next generation of young leaders.” CCSU adds,

Ndaba Mandela is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Africa Rising Foundation, which aims to promote a positive image of Africa around the world and to increase its potential for growth in education, employment and international corporate alliances. He also serves as an executive director UN AIDS, an organization that seeks to end discrimination around HIV/AIDS through the power of football.

His recent book, “Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather” (Grand Central Publishing), offers a unique perspective on the life and influence of Nelson Mandela.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Mandela to Central. He is, of course, an inspiring example of a legacy of service,” said CCSU President Zulma R. Toro, “and I’m certain his words will energize our campus community with a renewed idea of what leadership and compassion can accomplish.”

“This year’s symposium theme is ‘Living the Legacy Through Service,'” CCSU says, “a topic Mandela is well suited to address.”

CCSU says that its MLK Jr. Symposium and Day of Service, on January 24, 2025, will begin at 8:45am with a breakfast at Alumni Hall in the Student Center, where Mandela is to speak, adding that,

Students enrolled in the John Lewis Institute at Central will attend, as well. The institute’s goals include developing leadership and advocacy skills among students, while helping them to explore public service careers and engage with the campus and the local community around social justice issues.

CCSU says that, “After breakfast, Day of Service projects will begin at approximately 12:15 p.m. on and off campus. Central has partnered with the United Way, Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Friendship Service Center, and the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families to coordinate these volunteer activities.”

The Day of Service events are to include,

-MLK-themed literacy kits with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut in Alumni Hall
-Books and blankets for young people in foster care with the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families
-Care-kit Assembly at the Friendship Service Center in New Britain (Site 1) at 85 Arch St.
-Donation sorting at Friendship Service Center in New Britain (Site 2) 61 Arch St.

Editor’s note: The cover photo is courtesy of Central Connecticut State University.