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Carlie J Pierre
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Inclusive Excellence warmly invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join us for the 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Celebration.
This year’s theme, Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation in a Nonviolent Way, invites us to reflect, connect, and engage in meaningful dialogue that strengthens our shared commitment to justice, equity, and belonging.
Throughout the day, participants are encouraged to take part in our day of programs designed to foster community, spark conversation, and inspire action—celebrating Dr. King’s enduring legacy while exploring ways we can continue his work on campus and beyond. Please see the full day of programs below. This Salem State University tradition offers something for everyone to feel included, inspired, and empowered.
Day of Programs
community Breakfast
9:30-10:30 am | Ellison Campus Center MLK Jr. Room
Join us as we kick off the day of celebration and connection with breakfast.
candlelight Vigil AND Freedom March
10:30-11 am | Ellison Campus Center Lobby
We invite all members of our community to join us as we march from the Ellison Campus Center to the Sophia Gordon Center, where Convocation will take place. A short vigil will take place in the Lobby before the march.
Convocation
11 am-12 pm | Sophia Gordon Center
Hosted by Bold, Educated, and Empowered Sisters (BEES) and The Brotherhood, Convocation will feature a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Andre K. Bennett, followed by an engaging community conversation exploring what preserving democracy and nonviolent collective action looks like in our communities and beyond.
Rev. Dr. Andre K. Bennett is a pastor, nonprofit executive, scholar, and civic leader whose work embodies a deep commitment to justice, equity, and faith in action. His leadership bridges the sacred and the civic, grounding social change in spiritual conviction, intellectual rigor, and community-centered engagement.
Rev. Dr. Bennett serves as Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Zion Baptist Church, where his ministry emphasizes intergenerational leadership, pastoral care, and the empowerment of historically marginalized communities. Beyond the pulpit, he is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Victory Human Services, the largest minority-led human services organization in New England, leading efforts to strengthen families through culturally responsive care and community partnership.
A respected voice in faith-based organizing, Dr. Bennett served as President of the Essex County Community Organization (ECCO) from 2018 to 2025 and has held national leadership roles with Faith in Action, advancing racial, social, and economic justice locally and across the country.
An accomplished scholar, Rev. Dr. Bennett holds doctorates in theology, ministry, and education. A sought-after speaker and moral leader, his work calls communities and institutions to align faith with action and to advance Dr. King’s vision of beloved community through courage, compassion, and collective responsibility.
Leadership Luncheon & Awards
12:30-2 pm | Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall
Join us for a delicious lunch and celebrate outstanding SSU leaders as we recognize their achievements.
Nominate members of the SSU community for the 2026 Dr. MLK Jr. Leadership Awards!
Presented annually to an SSU undergraduate, graduate, alumna/us, faculty, staff, or administrator, the Dr. MLK Jr. Leadership Award recognizes outstanding and significant contributions to the cause of freedom, justice, and equity. Self-nominations are welcome! Nominations will be accepted until Sunday, December 21.
Nominate a community member
Join us in honoring Dr. King’s vision and in building a campus culture rooted in compassion, equity, and collective action.
In solidarity,
The 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee
- Ashleyne Alexis, Director, Summer Bridge Academy
- Melissa Arroyo, Director, Student Involvement & Operations
- Lucy Corchado, Staff Assistant, Center for Justice and Liberation
- Nasrin DadkhahTehrani, ’26, Inclusive Excellence Graduate Assistant
- Terrence Jean Charles, ’26, IE Student Ambassador & President of the Brotherhood
- Mike Mitchell ‘07, Director of Engagement, Advancement
- Alison Morris, Administrative Assistant, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
- Bruce Perry, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs
- Carlie Pierre, Director of Education and Training, Inclusive Excellence
- Ivan Piña, Coordinator of Student Development, Student Support Services
- Arlene Theodore, Director of the Center for Justice and Liberation
- Katrina Tuck, Administrative Assistant II, College of Arts and Sciences