greater-scranton-mlk-alliance

NEPA Gives 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:26:36 GMT

Help Us Build Our First Website and Expand Our Impact

We are raising funds to launch and maintain the very first website for our nonprofit organization — a critical step in growing our mission and serving more people in need.

Right now, our work is powered by passion, volunteers, and community support. A dedicated website will provide access for people to learn about our programs, access resources, volunteer, or donate. Our professional website will serve as our digital home — a place where our community can connect, stay informed, and support our cause.

Your contribution will help cover the essential costs of website design, development, hosting, accessibility features, and security. This investment will allow us to:

This is more than just a website — it’s a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term impact.

With your support, we can build a strong online presence that amplifies our mission and helps us serve even more people. Thank you for helping us take this important first step.

Share our mission and impact more effectively

Reach new supporters and partners

Provide up-to-date information about programs and events

Increase transparency and credibility

Countdown to NEPA Gives 2026

Save the date June 4th & 5th, 2026, join us in raising funds when it makes the biggest impact!

2027 MLK Weekend

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:54:03 GMT

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Please join us, January 17, 2027, for our annual dinner to celebrate the life, legacy and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission is hosting a formal event from 2:30-4:00 PM featuring an address delivered by our motivational keynote speakers and a delicious spread of catered hors d’oeuvre and a selection of various entrees.

Sunday, January 17, 2027
DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM
Program starts at 2:30 PM.

Location TBD

2026 MLK Weekend

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:50:30 GMT

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

Please join us, Sunday, January 18, 2026, for our annual dinner to celebrate the life, legacy, and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission will focus on the cohesion and synergy within us and within our communities.

Sunday, January 17, 2027
DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM
Program starts at 2:30 PM.

The University of Scranton
Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center
900 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18510

“Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?”
-Rev, Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The theme for 2025 is Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love.

From the historical and theological text of Dr. King, of this title Dr. King writes about progress, the future, community, and the commitment to defend and thrive in the face of chaos.

Keynote presentation

'Where do we go from here?'

U. Melissa Anyiwo is an Associate Professor of History and Director of Black Studies at the University of Scranton, PA. A transplanted Nigerian-British citizen with a PhD from the University of Swansea, Wales UK, she has a background in race, gender, diversity, and visual archetypes, with over twenty years of experience writing and presenting on racial and gendered stereotypes, especially the vampire.

Through the creation of Black Studies programs at three universities, Anyiwo has taught multiple courses focused on unpacking monstrosities such as the Black Superhero, Black Success on Film, and Race in American History. She is currently the co-editor of Palgrave Studies in Monstrosity, and a Board member for both the Peter Lang Series Vampire Studies: New Perspectives on the Undead and the International Slayage Journal.

Her published works include the edited collections Race in the Vampire Narrative (Sense, 2015), Gender in the Vampire Narrative (Sense, 2016), Gender Warriors: Reading Contemporary Urban Fantasy (Brill, 2018) Queering the Vampire Narrative (Brill, 2022) and Teaching with Vampires (Palgrave, 2024). In addition, she starred the documentaries “Lestat, Louis, and the Vampire Phenomenon” for the Interview with the Vampire 20th Anniversary Edition DVD (Warner Brothers, 2014,) and starred in the EMMY award-winning documentary It’s More Than Hair (2022).

Outside of the University of Scranton, Dr Anyiwo also serves on multiple boards including the National Popular Culture/American Culture Association, the Popular Culture/American Cultures Association of the South (PCAS), and the Vampire Studies Association.

Dr. Yerodin Lucas, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the

School of Social Work at Marywood University located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Arcadia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. He completed his Master’s degree in Education at Temple University, Master’s degree in Social Work and PhD in Administration and Leadership from Marywood University. His published dissertation titled: Factors Affecting African American Male Students at Predominantly White Institutions: A Case Study in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) highlights the support structures necessary for first-year Black male student persistence. As a Philadelphia native, Yerodin enjoys good food and city life. He has traveled and worked abroad in Asia, Canada, and Europe.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to work with The Greater Scranton MLK Commission by managing the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission Fund.

The Greater Scranton MLK Commission Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation is a donor-advised fund that supports the charitable works and activities of the Greater Scranton MLK Commission. Through the fund, the Greater Scranton MLK Commission seeks to support its mission through projects and programs designed to promote principles of nonviolence, equity, and love through education and service.

2025 MLK Weekend

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:36:10 GMT

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

Please join us, January 19, 2025, for our annual dinner to celebrate the life, legacy and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission is focusing on the consciousness of the socioemotional climate in our community and our country. Through the words of Dr. King, “You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love” is a message that evokes us to embrace the impact of the force activated by love and grace. Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love, is a formal event from 2:30-4:00 PM featuring our dinner followed by an address delivered by the world renowned keynote speaker, Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn, PhD.

Sunday, January 19, 2025
beginning promptly at 2:30 p.m.

The University of Scranton
Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center
900 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18510

“You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love”
-Rev, Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The theme for 2025 is Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love.

Keynote presentation

'Where do we go from here?'

by Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn, Professor of Education and Psychology; Director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs, and Principal Investigator of The Belonging Lab at Virginia Union University.

Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn is one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the fields of education, psychology, and the academic study of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Named of the country’s “Top Diversity Scholars” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education and a remarkable “Bridge-Builder” between academic and student affairs by one of ACPA’s commissions, Strayhorn has authored 14 books, including the award-winning College Students’ Sense of Belonging (2nd ed, 2019), and over 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles and academic publications. His research has been cited, endorsed, or financially supported by over $10 million from the most premiere agencies in the world including Lumina Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, National Science Foundation, to name a few. One of his core passions is translating research-to-practice in ways that improve the material conditions and lived experiences of our most vulnerable populations. He accomplishes this mission largely through the more than 2000+ public talks, distinguished lectures, and keynotes he has delivered across the globe.

A respected thought-leader and highly-sought speaker, Strayhorn’s ground-breaking research has been cited in many outlets including The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Essence, and Diverse Issues, to name a few. He is President and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, a minority-owned business that partners with hundreds of colleges, universities, corporations, and agencies each year to enhance culture, build inclusive environments, and boost belonging in ways that raise morale, increase retention, improve people’s journey, and help organizations hit their bottom line. He’s a Contributing Writer for Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, All Business, and Psychology Today, where he leads the “Belonging Matters” blog.

Strayhorn is Professor of Education and Psychology; Director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs, and Principal Investigator of The Belonging Lab at Virginia Union University, where he also serves as Vice Provost for Faculty Development. He is Diversity Scholar-in-Residence at Harrisburg Area Community College, Fellow of AGB’s Institute for Leadership & Governance, and board member for several non-profits including Rainbow Labs, Career Analysis Organization of America, Vice President of Psychologists of Color Inc., and the MCT Educational Foundation. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Company: Do Good Work Consulting

Group Website: www.dogoodworkllc.org

Connect with Dr. Strayhorn on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram

Here’s how to pronounce his name: https://bit.ly/TLSSayIt

Tickets for this event are $25 each, $150 per table reservation of 6. Event sponsors are greatly appreciated

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to work with The Greater Scranton MLK Commission by managing the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission Fund.

2024 MLK Weekend

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:28:00 GMT

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

STILL I RISE: Annual MLK Celebration and Awards Dinner

The Greater Scranton MLK Commission will host the Annual Community Celebration and Awards Dinner

Sunday, January 14, 2024

beginning promptly at 2:00p.m.

The University of Scranton
Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center
900 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18510

'We must walk on in the day ahead with an audacious faith in the future.'
-Rev, Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The theme for 2024 is Still I Rise.

Keynote presentation

'Where do we go from here?'

by SARA E. SOLFANELLI, Esq., Special Counsel for Pro Bono

Initiatives at Schulte Roth & Zabel. Solfanelli oversees the firm's robust pro bono program, where she leverages the firm's resources to represent indigent individuals seeking justice, bring impact litigation for a more just and fair society, and develop strategic partnerships with international, national and local nonprofit organizations to enable them to better achieve their missions. Under Sara's leadership, an incredible 70% of SRZ’s lawyers, along with dozens of business staff, participated in pro bono in 2022.

Sara works closely with Justice for Greenwood to seek justice for the survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and she is part of the SRZ Tulsa Race Massacre Litigation Team that brought the groundbreaking lawsuit Randle v. City of Tulsa et. al, which has had precedent-setting wins and has garnered significant national attention in the press.

Interfaith Prayer Service

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:31:39 GMT

Monday, January 15, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. The Scranton Area Ministerium, in partnership with the GSMLKC, will host the annual interfaith prayer service, Charlotte Ledbetter, program coordinator.

Shiloh Baptist Church

223 William St.

Scranton, PA 18508

Rev. Michael Brewster, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, presiding.

Talking About Racism: A Community Conversation Series

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:43:22 GMT

Nationwide protests in the wake of the killings of George Floyd and other Black people have brought renewed attention to longstanding issues of racism and social justice. Talking about race can be difficult, but with curiosity, knowledge, and empathy, it is possible to come together as a community to listen, learn, and work for change.

This series is a project of the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission in collaboration with: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, Marywood University, Penn State Scranton, and The University of Scranton. These recorded sessions are available to the public to continue these important conversations. Click on the links below to access the video recordings of the presentations. Full information including speaker bios and follow up materials may be found here .

OCTOBER 1

DEFINING AND IDENTIFYING RACISM

Arthur Breese, Director of Diversity, Geisinger
Teresa Grettano, PhD, Associate Professor of English/Theatre, The University of Scranton
Moderator: Cathy Ann Hardaway, President, Greater Scranton MLK Commission
PowerPoint Presentation
Video Recording

UNDERSTANDING WHITE PRIVILEGE AND ALLYSHIP

OCTOBER 8

Leon John, PhD, Director of Alumni Engagement, East Stroudsburg University
Jessica Nolan, PhD, Professor of Psychology, The University of Scranton
Moderator: Ida Castro, JD, MLK Commission, GCSOM
PowerPoint Presentation
Video Recording

OCTOBER 15

Glynis Johns, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Black Scranton Project
Yerodin Lucas, PhD, Interim Director Office of Equity & Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, Marywood University
Moderator: Lia Richards Palmiter, PhD, MLK Commission, Marywood University
PowerPoint Presentation
Video Recording

DISCUSSING BLACK LIVES MATTER

OCTOBER 15

DISCUSSING BLACK LIVES MATTER

Glynis Johns, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Black Scranton Project
Yerodin Lucas, PhD, Interim Director Office of Equity & Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, Marywood University
Moderator: Lia Richards Palmiter, PhD, MLK Commission, Marywood University
PowerPoint Presentation
Video Recording

greater-scranton-mlk-alliance

NEPA Gives 2026

Help Us Build Our First Website and Expand Our Impact

Countdown to NEPA Gives 2026

2027 MLK Weekend

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Sunday, January 17, 2027 DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM Program starts at 2:30 PM.

2026 MLK Weekend

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

Sunday, January 17, 2027 DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM Program starts at 2:30 PM.

The theme for 2025 is Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love.

'Where do we go from here?'

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to work with The Greater Scranton MLK Commission by managing the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission Fund.

2025 MLK Weekend

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

Sunday, January 19, 2025 beginning promptly at 2:30 p.m.

The theme for 2025 is Give Love, Spread Love, Be Love.

'Where do we go from here?'

Tickets for this event are $25 each, $150 per table reservation of 6. Event sponsors are greatly appreciated

2024 MLK Weekend

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Activities

STILL I RISE: Annual MLK Celebration and Awards Dinner

Sunday, January 14, 2024

beginning promptly at 2:00p.m.

The theme for 2024 is Still I Rise.

'Where do we go from here?'

Interfaith Prayer Service

Talking About Racism: A Community Conversation Series

DEFINING AND IDENTIFYING RACISM

UNDERSTANDING WHITE PRIVILEGE AND ALLYSHIP

DISCUSSING BLACK LIVES MATTER

DISCUSSING BLACK LIVES MATTER

Sunday, January 17, 2027
DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM
Program starts at 2:30 PM.

Sunday, January 17, 2027
DOORS OPEN AT 2:00 PM
Program starts at 2:30 PM.

Sunday, January 19, 2025
beginning promptly at 2:30 p.m.