As Union College commemorates MLK Week, students, faculty, and staff are coming together to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful service, thoughtful dialogue, and campus-wide connection. The week reflects a shared commitment to putting Dr. King's values into action.
One of the standout events is the Snack Packing Program, led by Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs Niamaya Canady in collaboration with the Kenney Center. The initiative supports students at Yates Elementary by providing snack kits filled with tuna packets, granola bars, fruit snacks, gummies, and hot chocolate-small items that can make a meaningful difference. Each bag also includes a handwritten note with encouraging messages, reminding students that their community cares.
"The main thing that inspires me about this event is being able to address the gap for children and families," Niamaya shared. Students, faculty, staff, and organizations such as the NAACP and the Black Student Union contribute donations and assemble the kits after months of preparation. Despite national conversations surrounding DEI initiatives, Niamaya confirmed that the Snack Packing Program and Dinner and Discussion series will continue as important campus traditions.
The Dinner and Discussion series offers space for reflection on faith, justice, and shared humanity. "These discussions are very inspirational," Niamaya explained. "They focus on commonality, not differences."
Student Aramis Suarez reflected on the experience, noting the value of speaking with peers from different backgrounds and hearing diverse perspectives on MLK and unity across religions. He described the atmosphere as positive and unifying, especially during a time of polarization.
Additional initiatives-including clothing donations, MoonBee, the Community Closet Pop-Up, food drives, and serving dinner at the City Mission-demonstrate that MLK Week at Union is rooted in compassion, understanding, and collective action.
