Media advisory: Central to honor Dr. Martin Luther King with breakfast, guest speaker, day of service
CCSUNews
Central to honor Dr. Martin Luther King with breakfast, guest speaker, day of service
CONTACT: 860-929-1177
MEDIA ADVISORY: Jan. 13, 2026
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Central Connecticut State University will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium and Day of Service on Thursday, Jan. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place in Alumni Hall, at the Student Center.
This event brings together students, faculty, staff, and community partners for a day dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and meaningful action. Central President Zulma R. Toro will offer remarks, followed by keynote speaker L. Joy Williams, a nationally recognized political strategist and civic leader known for her work empowering individuals and communities to participate fully in the democratic process.
Following the symposium and breakfast program, members of the Central community will participate in hands-on service projects throughout New Britain, putting Dr. King’s vision of service into practice while strengthening partnerships with local organizations.
Planned service projects include:
- Volunteering at the Friendship Service Center’s community kitchen and food pantry
- Assembling care kits for unhoused community members in partnership with the New Britain Public Library (on campus)
- Creating literacy kits in collaboration with the United Way (on campus)
- A food and toiletry drive to benefit Maria’s Place, Central’s student- and staff-run food pantry
Parking will be available at the Student Center parking lot.
About the speaker
As president of the Brooklyn NAACP and president of the New York State NAACP Conference of Branches, L. Joy Williams is dedicated to advancing civil rights and advocating for social justice. Her leadership also extends to her role as chair of Higher Heights PAC, where she works to amplify the political voice of Black women across the nation.
Williams is also the host of the nationally recognized and four-time NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, #SundayCivics, which teaches adults how to understand and navigate the political system. Through candid interviews with policymakers, thought leaders, and community activists, #SundayCivics encourages listeners to take meaningful action in their communities.
Throughout her career, Williams has led numerous advocacy efforts—from local campaigns to national initiatives—helping to shape public policy and galvanize communities to demand accountability from elected officials.
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CCSUNews
Hi all,
Please note that the date of the MLK breakfast is FRIDAY, Jan. 23. The day of the week is corrected below. My apologies!
Best,
Marisa Nadolny
From: CCSUNews <CCSU...@ccsu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 4:48 PM
To: CCSUNews <CCSU...@ccsu.edu>
Subject: Media advisory: Central to honor Dr. Martin Luther King with breakfast, guest speaker, day of service
Central to honor Dr. Martin Luther King with breakfast, guest speaker, day of service
CONTACT: 860-929-1177
MEDIA ADVISORY: Jan. 13, 2026
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Central Connecticut State University will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium and Day of Service on Friday, Jan. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place in Alumni Hall, at the Student Center.