TULANE TALK

January 17, 2014

Good Morning:

I spent yesterday in Washington, D.C., discussing how to increase college access for low-income students with President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and university and civic leaders from around the country. Discussing this particular subject at the White House as we approach Martin Luther King Day caused me to reflect on the famous “I Have a Dream” speech Dr. King delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial just a couple of miles away. I believe yesterday’s meeting and the http announced by Tulane and other universities are helping to fulfill some of the promise and hope of that speech. Much work remains to be done but that should not prevent us from recognizing and celebrating the real progress we have made.

Marking that progress and continuing that work is the inspiration behind the 28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week for Peace, four days of speeches, prayer and service sponsored by Tulane, Loyola, Dillard and Xavier universities. This year’s Week for Peace keynote address will be given by Minnijean Brown-Trickey, one of the “Little Rock Nine” who were spit on and faced other physical and verbal assaults when they attempted to desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Other Week for Peace events include a lifetime achievement award presented to actor Wendell Pierce, an interfaith service, a step team competition and a day of community service. You can find more information on these and other Week for Peace highlights at http.mlkweek4peace.org. Please try to attend at least one of these special events. Pursuing a dream is a great way to spend a holiday.

Have a great weekend,