Knox College is proud to welcome Maurice McDavid ’10 as the keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Convocation event on Monday, January 15. The event will take place in Harbach Theatre, located inside the Ford Center for the Fine Arts, starting at 11:00 a.m. This year's Convocation, themed "Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence," marks the 22nd anniversary of the event.

An educational studies major, McDavid pursued a role in educational administration after his time at Knox. He currently serves as principal for Turner Elementary School and assistant pastor at the United Pentecostal Church of DeKalb. Additionally, he is the founder of Culture, Identity, and Multilingual Advocacy (CIMA) of Illinois.

McDavid has contributed to Knox in various capacities since graduating, including K Club Engagement Council Member and fundraiser, panelist for the Center for Intercultural Life Black History Month event, speaker for student-athletes as part of the 'Forever Fire' career development program, and more. Maurice continues to advocate for Knox and Knox athletics to prospective students and has collaborated with athletics staff, coaches, and students on matters related to race relations and social justice.

January 15 is also the final day of the Chicken Noodle Soup Drive, organized by the Mark & Jeannette Kleine Center for Community Service. All soup collected will be distributed through Blessings in a Backpack to children in Galesburg. Donations can be dropped off at Convocation or at the Kleine Center for Community Service.

On Sunday, January 14, McDavid will be participating in an on-campus event sponsored by the Knox College President’s Office and Bastian Family Center for Career Success, aimed at providing tips for students to integrate social justice into their profession. This event will be held in the Abolition Lab of Seymour Library from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with dinner for those attending. An option to RSVP to this event will be provided to students before Friday, January 12 with a limit of 20 spots available.

Knox College offices will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 15, to allow staff to attend the Convocation.

This event is open to the public.