The theme of Fairfield University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration – “Social Justice Now” – invokes this idea of the “now” and invites us to consider what it means in 2023. In light of our current challenges – from climate change to the persistence of white supremacy, the suppression of voting rights, and ongoing struggles against racial inequities - Dr. King’s warned against taking “the tranquilizing drug of gradualism” and urged us to choose action against complacency and pessimism. The Convocation Speaker, Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead is the founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice and an associate professor of communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola University Maryland. Free in-person event, registration required.