Otterbein University hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. convocation with keynote speaker, N. Malik Crosswhite on Jan. 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Riley Auditorium at the Battelle Fine Arts Center.
The Martin Luther King Jr. convocation was a time and place to look at our lives in the mirror to see if it reflects the philosophical genius represented by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was meant to honor black lives and to remind people that we are all human and should be treated equally, regardless of skin color.
Crosswhite explained this philosophical genius by emphasizing the importance of unity, saying the convocation focused on “humanity coming together,” adding that “despite how anyone looks, loves, or comes from a different background, at the core, we are all human beings.”
Regarding the purpose of the convocation and why the campus community should attend it, Crosswhite said, “I’m not too aware of the culture here at Otterbein, when it comes to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But one thing I really love about this holiday is that Dr. King challenged norms without being violent or the loudest in the room. Many people today still strive for a better nation because of his example.”
The other people who were involved in this convocation were Rev. Lucy Kelly, the director of faith and spiritual life at Otterbein University and associate pastor at Church of the Master United Methodist, alongside LaJoyce Daniel-Cain, Otterbein's former gospel choir director, and Faith who sang the Black national anthem.
In addition, the Peace and Justice Awards, which honors members of the campus community for demonstrating Dr. King’s values, were presented to Nina Goodlett ’27, Dr. Eric Jones and Micia Clemmons, the assistant director of the center for student engagement.
The convocation focused on the theme “Mission Possible II: Building Community, uniting a nation the nonviolent way,” discussing how to build a community and Martin Luther King’s legacy.
The convocation highlighted the ongoing relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message, inspiring the Otterbein community to continue working toward equality and justice.
