The Syracuse University Department of Athletics and Hendricks Chapel will present a virtual conversation with athlete and activist Maya Moore on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. ET on Zoom. Registration is free and open to all at mlk.syr.edu.
Maya Moore
A collegiate, Olympic and professional basketball champion, Moore will discuss the intersections of sports, spirituality, and the sustained pursuit of justice and opportunity. “Life with Purpose: A Conversation with Maya Moore, athlete and activist,” is part of the virtual event series leading up to the 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. ET.
“Maya Moore has provided the world with an example of what service and sacrifice is. We can all take a page out of her playbook as we aspire to create the sort of change that impacts lives,” says Sean Dorcellus ’21, student co-chair of the organizing committee. “We are elated to learn more about her journey firsthand while honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
“Maya Moore is a courageous leader and believer,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel and co-chair of the organizing committee. “Through her own exploration of meaning and purpose, she invites us into a powerful conversation on how we too can spark and sustain personal and public change. We are honored and excited to host such an outstanding role model in the midst of these important times.”
Moore led the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team to two NCAA championships. After graduating in 2011, Moore joined the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Minnesota Lynx organization, leading the team to four national championships. Moore’s success with the USA National Women’s Basketball team landed her a spot in the 2012 Olympic Games.
In 2019, Moore’s religious faith and passion for social justice led her to step away from competitive athletics at the height of her career, humbled by her interactions with a man in prison who had been falsely convicted for burglary. Moore committed her time to proving Jonathan Irons’ innocence, and consequently his charges were overturned and he was released from prison. Today, the 31-year-old Moore leads a life that emphasizes family, purpose and ministry.
On Jan. 27, Moore will speak about the converging worlds of athletics and ministry, the pursuit of opportunity, and her expression of faith through helping others.
View the full list of 2021 MLK Virtual Event Series programs on the registration website. During registration, select “Life with Purpose: A Conversation with Maya Moore, athlete and activist,” from the list of program options. Guests may also register for the 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Registrants will receive Zoom links to all selected programs in a confirmation email.
This story was written by Christina Kohl ’21
