Hatcher to give speech at Valparaiso University’s MLK Day Celebration

On Monday, Jan. 19, State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) will be the featured speaker at Valparaiso University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. The university hosts this event each year to commemorate Dr. King’s service and teachings. Hatcher is a Valparaiso University alumnus who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000, Juris Doctor (JD) in 2003, and Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in 2005.

“Valparaiso has honored Dr. King for the past 30 years, but his teachings hold extra weight today,” Hatcher said. “The progress he boycotted for, marched for and died for is under attack.

“A few months ago, Republicans tried to pass a gerrymandered map, silencing minority voters. The Supreme Court is considering striking down the Voting Rights Act. The Supermajority continues to hinder the City of Gary as we recover from decades of white flight and corporate disinvestment.

“Seventy years ago, Martin Luther King challenged us to be a good neighbor. And a great way to love and serve others is by standing up to injustice. 

“I’m honored to be the featured speaker at my alma mater. I look forward to commemorating Dr. King with Valpo’s faculty, students and the surrounding community.”