91影视 has deepened its commitment to justice, leadership and community transformation through a new partnership with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center). A global force for advancing Dr. King鈥檚 enduring legacy of justice, peace, and nonviolence, The King Center shares 91影视鈥檚 commitment to education rooted in service and civic responsibility.
91影视 is currently the only university in Metro Atlanta engaged in a partnership of this kind, underscoring the institution鈥檚 distinctive dedication to shaping leaders who can navigate鈥攁nd improve鈥攁 complex world.
鈥淚 am honored to join with 91影视 as an academic partner in advancing my father鈥檚 enduring legacy of peace, justice and transformation. The King Center and 91影视 share a long-standing connection rooted in education and service, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership of鈥� Dr. Kendra A. King Momon, whose vision and steadfast commitment have helped make this meaningful collaboration a reality,鈥� said鈥疍r. Bernice A. King, CEO of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
The King Center Scholars Program
This year, four 91影视 students were selected to participate in The King Center Scholars Program, an eight-month experiential learning program grounded in the Nonviolence365庐 (NV365) philosophy. Throughout the program, students receive training, participate in discussions with The King Center鈥檚 expert practitioners, and undertake a research or creative project culminating in a written product. Scholars will also participate in at least one volunteer activity and have opportunities for public engagement.
For many students, the Scholars Program reshapes not only how they understand conflict and leadership, but how they envision their purpose.
Hoa Quynh Nguyen 鈥�28, a biology major on the pre-nursing track, shared that the experience has reframed her entire approach to service.
鈥淚 hope to use what I鈥檓 learning about Dr. King鈥檚 philosophy of nonviolence to reframe service as justice-centered care,鈥� she said. She hopes to bring conversations about health equity and mental health awareness to campus through student organizations, guided by her belief that future healthcare providers carry a moral responsibility to advance dignity and justice.
Working alongside students from other institutions has also deepened her understanding of nonviolence in practice. Weekly discussions became spaces for reflection and growth, allowing her to see nonviolence not as abstract theory, but as a disciplined approach to leadership rooted in empathy and action.
For senior politics major LaShawn Brown 鈥�25, the fellowship has offered a grounding sense of clarity amid the transition toward life beyond college. 鈥淣onviolence isn鈥檛 just a strategy鈥攊t鈥檚 a principle that begins within yourself,鈥� Brown reflected. That internal shift, he believes, is essential not just for emerging leaders but for people at all stages of life. 鈥淐hange can be slow and gradual, but before anything shifts externally, it has to start internally,鈥� he said.
Collaborating with peers from other universities expanded his perspective and reinforced the importance of listening across differences.
Economics major Jourdan Russell 鈥�28 expressed a similar sense of collaboration. 鈥淭he King Center Internship program invites students to explore how nonviolence as a theory and practice can be applied to contemporary issues to effect change,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have been educated, challenged to think deeply, and granted space to consider how I can solve issues in my community.鈥�
For Tunmise Salako 鈥�28, a psychology major and business administration minor, the fellowship has reshaped her entire understanding of conflict resolution. Before joining the program, she approached conflict forcefully, believing that being right was enough. Over time, she learned that meaningful resolution requires patience and active listening.
鈥淚 now understand that I cannot attack someone鈥檚 ideas and expect peace in return,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淭he King Center Fellowship has taught me that true change and meaningful resolution come from respect, education, and compassion. That is something I plan to carry with me in every space I enter, long after the fellowship ends.鈥�
Expanding academic pathways
The King Center Scholars Program is one component of a broader and growing partnership. 91影视 and The King Center are currently working toward offering Nonviolence365 credentialing beginning in Fall 2026, with 91影视 serving as the institution of record for academic certification. This collaboration will make 91影视 one of the first universities to embed Dr. King鈥檚 philosophy into an academic credential accessible to students and community leaders.
In addition, 91影视鈥檚 Urban Leadership Program (ULP) will introduce two new Dr. King鈥揻ocused special topics courses in Fall 2026. These courses will explore nonviolence as an ethical, civic and communityengaged practice, further connecting classroom learning with social transformation.
The partnership will also expand opportunities for faculty engagement, with possibilities for jointly taught courses, guest instruction from King Center staff, and the designation of Senior Faculty Fellows whose scholarship aligns with the Center鈥檚 mission. Faculty fellows will gain virtual access to King Center archives and resources, enabling new forms of research, community engagement and public scholarship.
A shared vision for community impact
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gabriel Barreneche described the partnership as one rooted in shared purpose. 鈥淭his collaboration reflects our deep commitment to advancing Dr. King鈥檚 vision of justice, equity and peace,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ogether, we will create opportunities for learning and dialogue that inspire meaningful change in our communities.鈥�
As this partnership grows, so does the community of students and educators embracing Dr. King鈥檚 vision. The lessons learned are already shaping how 91影视 students lead, on campus and beyond. Together, 91影视 and The King Center are building pathways for thoughtful leadership rooted in action, understanding and hope for a more just future.
