Inspiring Organizations for Activism This MLK Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of one day building a “beloved community”; a community based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings. While MLK Day is observed to honor his legacy, it is not a day off but rather, a day on. The day asks each of us to be change agents in our communities and move them closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.
Here at Chatham, we encourage our students to be activists and volunteers working towards equality and peace in our world. Below is a list of organizations and events working towards a brighter future that welcome students to join, learn from, and contribute to.
Organizations at Chatham
Chatham Student Power: CSP aims to bring both awareness and motivation to students about current environmental and social justice issues by taking action in organizing campaigns and projects that advocate for change on campus and in the community. Contact: Zoe Levine
Black Student Union: BSU is dedicated to the education and empowerment of students of color while promoting cultural awareness, leadership, and service. It strives to “Build Student Unity” on the campus of Chatham University and stresses the importance of academia and real-world experience to create a strong and multicultural world for all students. Contact: Elena Boyle
Queer Student Alliance: The QSA bridges LGBTQIA+ students and their allies together by serving as a constructive medium that encourages the campus community to explore their relationship with humanity and gain acceptance for diversity. Contact: Landon Dawson
Community Service Club: The Community Service Club provides volunteering opportunities to various majors within the Chatham community while instilling a sense of leadership and civic engagement in the community. Contact: Abigail Yeager
Chatham Feminist Coalition: The Chatham Feminist Coalition is a safe and intersectional space for activism that aims to create dialogue and bridge the divide for campus issues regarding intersectional feminism. It works to focus on women's rights issues while also being an inclusive space to give POC, disabled, LGBTQ+, and more a platform. Contact: Hannah Liotta
Organizations in Pittsburgh
Black, Young, and Educated: Started by 5 teenagers in Pittsburgh, B.Y.E aims to educate Black youth and young adults on topics that affect their everyday lives and lessen the amount of ignorance with issues such as systemic racism and colorism in Pittsburgh. Those interested in joining and volunteering can fill out this application.
Trans YOUniting: Lead by Black Trans Lives, Trans YOUniting offers housing, food, youth mentorship and transportation help to PGH's trans community. Those interested may sign up for trainings or donate.
412 Food Rescue: 412 Food Rescue partners with food retailers, volunteer drivers, and nonprofit organizations to connect surplus food with individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity. Those interested in volunteering can go here.
PGH LGBTQ+ Coalition: The PGH LGBTQ+ Coalition develops outreach strategies and educational programs while empowering individuals to become economic, self-reliant, and be emboldened by their rights. Those interested in educational resources may find them on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
SisTersPGH: SisTersPGH, Corp offers outreach, accurate transgender education, trans inclusion training, advocacy, and emergency housing/shelter for transgender people of Pittsburgh. Those interested in taking action can find options here.
The Abolitionist Law Center: Based in Pittsburgh and founded in 2000 by Pennsylvania state prisoners, The Abolitionist Law Center is a public interest law firm organized for the purpose of abolishing class and race-based mass incarceration in the United States. Those interested in contributing may apply to their internships or donate to further their efforts.
Upcoming Events @ Chatham and In Pittsburgh
Agitational Art Workshop with DS Kinsel of BOOM Concepts: January 17th, 11 am
January 17th, 1 pm
Michelle Obama Day Celebration: January 17th, 8:30 pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s MLK Day Celebration:
January 18th, 3 pm
January 19th, 12 pm
Stirring Up Good Trouble: MLK Commemoration Keynote And Q&A With Author Deesha Philyaw:
January 20th, 12 pm
January 21st, 5 pm
January 26th, 11:30 am
JKM Library Virtual Display: Community Activism and Civil Rights
Students are encouraged to keep an eye on their inboxes for the monthly newsletter from The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the myChatham Happenings for future opportunities for activism. For more ways to spend MLK Day check out the article “How to Honor MLK Day in 2021”.