On Monday, Jan. 19, the Bethel College community commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday honoring King’s birthday and legacy as a civil rights leader who fought for racial equality, justice and nonviolent protest. At Bethel, the holiday is observed as a Day of Service, encouraging participation in volunteer work and acts of kindness.
Bethel partnered with Hesston College, the Newton Community for Racial Justice and the Newton Public Library to create a weekend filled with music, prayer and service. While classes and campus work were paused, students were able to sign up to volunteer both on campus and at community events, contributing to the celebration. These acts of service reflected King’s legacy and emphasized MLK Day as a “day on, not a day off.” A central part of the weekend’s program was Bethel College alumna and artist-in-residence Roz McCommon, who worked with students and community to contribute to the events.
The celebration began Sunday, Jan. 18, at Hesston Mennonite Church with “Melodies from Heaven,” hosted by Hesston College. The collaborative concert featured the Central Kansas Master Chorale, the Bethel College Concert Choir and the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, along with McCommon and her band. The performance highlighted the cultural influence of music genres including African, spiritual, bluegrass, blues, jazz, soul and gospel.
On Monday morning, Hesston College hosted a “Prayer Breakfast,” inviting students and community members to a shared meal and to connect through prayers led by local clergy. Throughout the day, the Newton Community for Racial Justice hosted an “MLK History-Themed Escape Room” at the Newton Public Library, inviting students, families and community members to participate in teamwork and problem-solving activities while learning about King’s life.
In the evening, the public was invited to a “Historic Listening Experience” in Memorial Hall featuring King’s speech, “The Future of Integration,” delivered at Bethel on Jan. 21, 1960. The final event, Bethel’s MLK Celebration Event, was led by McCommon, who presented “A Better World: The Journey of MLK.” This theatrical music performance included the Bethel College choirs and orchestra, the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers and local artists, highlighting King’s life and his continuing impact through music.
Through shared events, performances and acts of service, Bethel College honored King not only by remembering his legacy but also by contributing to his vision of serving others while strengthening connections and a sense of belonging within the campus community.