Penn’s African American Resource Center celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with its annual day of service.
The day’s community-centered programming included a children’s art and literacy project, a pet vaccination clinic, and a candlelight vigil dedicated to King. The Jan. 19 day of service is part of AARC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, which began on Jan. 14 and will conclude on Feb. 6.
“Each year, beginning the month of January, the University of Pennsylvania and our surrounding communities come together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,” an AARC webpage read. “The commemoration reminds us of our interdependence and reaffirms our commitment to the betterment of our communities through civility and service.”
The Free Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic — primarily organized by students in the PennVet Shelter Medicine Club — took place at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital.
According to University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Professor David Holt, the clinic provided physical examinations and essential vaccinations to nearly 300 pets. Volunteer clinicians from Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also provided screenings and free influenza shots to pet owners.
“We’re trying to serve people who don’t have regular access to vet care,” Holt — who supervised the clinic — told The Daily Pennsylvanian. “Their pets are part of their family.”
Holt emphasized the importance of serving the Penn and broader Philadelphia community by offering professional services free of cost.
“In law school, my understanding is that pro bono work is emphasized, and that’s something that we want to promote in the veterinary school as well,” Holt said.
RELATED:
Descendants of Afro-Americans at Penn host annual gala to raise money for HIV and AIDS awareness
29th annual MLK symposium to feature special programming, community awards
Van Pelt Library hosted the Penn Reads Literacy and Children’s Art Project — titled “Imagine A World…!” — where children participated in a theatrical storytime experience, explored the library, and bound a book to take home.
According to a Penn Libraries press release, the initiative — conceived as part of the MLK Symposium over a decade ago — aims “to improve literacy in Philadelphia and expand access to multicultural children’s books.”
In an interview with the DP, Penn Libraries Resource Management Coordinator and event co-organizer Rachelle Nelson explained that the event was “strictly dedicated towards kids in the community.”
She emphasized that the program is intended to help younger children see the library not as “a place where you have to be quiet, but a place where you can have fun and learn and just enjoy yourself.”
Around 60 people attended the candlelight vigil honoring King, concluding the day’s programming. The vigil — which began at W.E.B. DuBois College House and ended at Penn Women’s Center — was co-sponsored by Penn’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
“I think it’s important to not only volunteer on days like this, which is critically important, but also lean into Dr. King’s message,” University Chaplain and Vice President for Social Equity and Community Charles Howard told the DP at the event. “Listen to his words, which I think we need to hear now more than ever.”
In the coming weeks, the symposium will continue with AARC-hosted lectures, community events, and award ceremonies in celebration of King’s legacy.
Senior reporter Ananya Karthik contributed reporting.
RELATED:
Descendants of Afro-Americans at Penn host annual gala to raise money for HIV and AIDS awareness
29th annual MLK symposium to feature special programming, community awards
Staff reporter Candice Felderer covers admissions and can be reached at felderer@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies philosophy, politics, and economics.
Staff reporter Danna Cai covers climate and sustainability and can be reached at cai@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies biology. Follow her on X @dannaacai.
