By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 20, the official observance of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
“Unity Week is a call to spark meaningful conversations and connections that bridge differences and build community,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, director of the Multicultural Center. “This year’s theme, ‘Ignite to Unite,’ emphasizes the importance of civic discourse and shared understanding, offering students, faculty, staff, and community members opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in dialogue that inspires unity and connection.”
The week begins with the Dr. MLK Jr. Breakfast, hosted by Ball State, the City of Muncie, and the Concerned Clergy of Muncie. The breakfast—open to everyone, at no cost—will be held at Ball State’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and breakfast is available at 9 a.m.
The featured keynote speaker on Day 2 is Brandon Allmon-Jackson, ’12, a New York-based stage manager at Sunset Blvd on Broadway. Mr. Allmon-Jackson made his debut as an assistant stage manager on The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Mr. Allmon-Jackson also worked on the stage management team of director Jamie Lloyd’s production of A Doll’s House, led by Jessica Chastain, and London’s National Theatre’s The Effect. Some of his other credits include Back to the Future, Broadway Inspirational Voices, and the television comedy Girls5Eva.
Mr. Allmon-Jackson has been invited back to his alma mater to speak about social issues supporting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry—a subject about which he is passionate. He’s collaborated with organizations such as Broadway & Beyond Access and Black Theatre United to provide more opportunities for artists of color in the industry.
The full schedule of Unity Week 2025 events is as follows:
Monday, Jan. 20:
- Dr. MLK Jr. Breakfast, Student Center Cardinal Hall, 9 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (event will be livestreamed at www.bsu.edu/live)
MLK March,will begin outside the Student Center on McKinley Avenue at 11:30 a.m.(canceled due to weather)
Tuesday, Jan. 21:
- Disability Justice Workshop, Student Center Forum Room, 2 p.m.
- Keynote Speaker, Brandon Allmon-Jackson, Pruis Hall, 7 p.m. (event will be livestreamed at www.bsu.edu/live)
Wednesday, Jan. 22:
- Success in Sisterhood and Man 2 Men Collaborations, Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room, 5 p.m.
- Spectrum Queer Monologues, Pruis Hall, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23:
- 100 Days Until Graduation, Student Center Ballroom, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Ball State University Housing and Residence Life Service Event, Residence Halls, 1-4 p.m.
- Asian Student Union Sushi Night, Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room, 5 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24:
- Latinx Student Union Latinxpalooza, Student Center Ballroom, 6 p.m.
- Reel Inclusion, Past Lives, Art and Journalism Building, Room 175, 9 p.m.
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- Past Lives is a 2023 romantic drama film marking Celine Song’s feature directorial debut. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, the film tells the story of Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends who are separated when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea.
Saturday, Jan. 25:
- Beneficence Leadership Conference, Student Center Ballroom, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 26:
- Black Student Association Unity Pageant, Pruis Hall, 7 p.m.
Unity Week 2025 is co-sponsored by Ball State University’s Asian Student Union; Black Student Association; Spectrum; the Office of Disability Services, Ball State’s Housing and Residence Life, Latinx Student Union; Office of the President, Office of Student Life; Spirit and Traditions; and University Libraries.
For more information about Unity Week events, contact the Multicultural Center at 765-285-1344 or mc2@bsu.edu.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
