December 07, 2022

By Haley Dittbrenner ’25

Susquehanna University has several events planned to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during the week of Jan. 23. Headlining the university’s annual Winter Convocation is Autumn Rose Miskweminanocsqua Williams, social activist and former Miss Native American USA. She will deliver the keynote address focusing on the themes of justice and belonging at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in Weber Chapel Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public.

Miskweminanocsqua Williams was born and raised on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, New York. Being immersed in her culture from birth has given her pride in her Black and Indigenous heritage and is the foundation for the work she does today. She currently works as a motivational speaker, activist, and champion for Native American issues. She has served the Administration for Native Americans and confronted issues related to Indigenous communities within the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawai’i, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Miskweminanocsqua Williams currently works for ICF Next as a multicultural communications specialist, advocating for the vast range of Native American communities. A former Miss Native American USA and current plus-sized model, Miskweminanocsqua Williams preaches self-love and empowerment.

Winter Convocation welcomes Susquehanna students back to campus for the spring semester and celebrates the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additional university-sponsored events celebrating King’s pursuit of social justice include:

Justice and Belonging – A Day of Teaching
All day, Thursday, Jan. 26
The daylong event features lectures and readings in topics across the humanities and sciences.

Days of Service
Tuesday, Jan. 24 – Friday, Jan. 27
Mellon Lounge, Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center
This is an opportunity for students to thank Susquehanna’s “unsung heroes” in campus safety, dining services and facilities.

Justice and Belonging – An Interfaith Service
4:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
Stretansky Concert Hall in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art
This celebration brings together student speakers and community leaders from diverse religious, spiritual and secular traditions.