Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message from the President
Friday, January 16, 2009
Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Next week marks a historic milestone as the first African-American is sworn in as president of the United States. I can think of no better way to recognize the significance of this occasion than by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the man who led the civil rights movement.
Dr. King would have turned 80 yesterday, with perhaps another decade or more of life before him. He was passionate about justice, about opportunity, about creating a society where each member would have a fair opportunity to realize their dreams. Because these issues remain critically important to us, it is essential that we take time each year to remember the man behind the vision, the progress that we have made and the progress we have yet to make.
Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." It is in this spirit that many MDC faculty and staff members and students are taking part in service initiatives during the holiday weekend.
Volunteers are still needed on Saturday, Jan. 17, for beautification projects at Olinda Elementary School in Brownsville, the City of Miami, and the Carol City canal in the City of Miami Gardens. To participate, please contact Harold Silva in the MDC Center for Community Involvement at hsilva@mdc.edu.
As we observe the upcoming holiday in Dr. King's honor, let us celebrate his legacy of service and remember the meaning that his message holds today.
Thank you.
Eduardo