Otterbein University will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16 and 17 with two days of reflection and service.

On Jan. 16, Otterbein’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Center will host Racial Healing Circles for participants from the Otterbein and Antioch University communities. More information will be available in January.

On Jan. 17, please plan to attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation at 3 p.m. in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall. This year’s keynote speaker is Shawn Harper, a former NFL player, and current business owner, author, and motivational speaker. 

As an NFL offensive lineman, Harper played a total of seven seasons with the Rams, the Oilers, the Colts, and NFL Europe. Since 2004, he has owned and operated American Services and Protection, a growing multimillion-dollar security services firm headquartered in Columbus. He uses many of the powerful lessons he learned in the NFL and strategically applies them in running his company.

As a gifted national motivational speaker and author, Harper has inspired countless individuals and corporations such as Dow Chemical, Northwest Mutual, Beach Body, and Goodwill Industries to “PLAY TO WIN” by harnessing the vision, mindset, strategies, and teamwork needed to rise to their highest potential.

His book, “The Winning Edge” outlines his personal story of overcoming many obstacles to realize his purpose and manifest his dreams. He believes that to win in business, in family, and in life, it all starts with the end in mind. On the path to winning, you’ll encounter challenges with people and circumstances, but Harper says, “Winners focus on what they are going to, not on what they’re going through!”

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation is INST approved. It is sponsored by the Office of Social Justice and Activism and Office of Diversity.

Learn more about Shawn Harper.