Wednesday, January 21, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wilson Hall Auditorium
Event Type
Speaker
Contact
Brittani Staley
540-568-6636
Organization
Center for Multicultural Student Services
Link
https://ems.jmu.edu/MasterCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?EventDetailId=962401
This year's Keynote Speaker is Donzaleigh Abernathy who is the youngest daughter of the American Civil Rights Movement co-founder, Rev. Dr. Ralph David and Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy. She was born in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement as her father and his best friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., established the nonviolent social movement which changed the course of American History. This program will strengthen students' social and cultural wellness by deepening your understanding of civil rights history and connecting you with others who value justice and community. It will nurture emotional wellness by offering inspiration, hope, and space for personal reflection as you listen to stories of resilience and courage. It will also enrich intellectual wellness, encouraging listeners to think critically about social issues, explore new perspectives, and engage more thoughtfully with the world around them.