Briar Cliff Hosts MLK Day Celebration Focused on Unity and Nonviolence

January 20, 2026

Nearly 200 community members gathered at Briar Cliff University’s Chapel of Our Lady of Grace on Monday, January 19, to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr..

The celebration, sponsored by the Sioux City NAACP, centered on the theme Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way. The event featured music, reflection, and a keynote address from Dr. Shirley Mays, law professor at the University of South Dakota.

Dr. Mays highlighted the enduring importance of nonviolence, civil dialogue, and meaningful engagement across differing perspectives. Community leaders emphasized the responsibility to carry forward Dr. King’s message not only in celebration, but through daily action rooted in compassion, accountability, and unity.

Briar Cliff was honored to partner with local leaders and the NAACP to host this impactful gathering, reaffirming the University’s commitment to fostering thoughtful conversation, civic engagement, and community connection across Siouxland.