Carolina celebrates MLK Jr. Week
“We Still Dream” is the theme of the annual celebration, featuring several speakers and events Jan. 19-23.
UNC-Chapel Hill is gearing up for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebration. The week will be devoted to honoring the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader with a series of events and speaking engagements, all with the shared mission of highlighting King’s eternal message of unity.
The celebration kicks off Jan. 19 under the theme “We Still Dream” and is co-led by the MLK Jr. Student Planning Committee, comprised of representatives from across the University.
Below is a summary of the week’s events:
MLK Jr. Community Celebration (Hosted by the MLK Jr. University Community Planning Corporation)
The week begins with the 40th annual MLK Jr. Community Celebration at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Friday Center.
Donovan Livingston, assistant professor and director of Carolina’s College Thriving program, will deliver the keynote address. Livingston is a renowned educator, spoken-word poet and public speaker known for his famous “Lift Off” speech at the 2016 Harvard Commencement ceremony.
The event also features the presentation of Bridge Builders and MLK Jr. Citizenship Awards to individuals and community organizations that embody King’s legacy.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and attendees can enjoy coffee and dessert. This is a free event and open to the public.
Lecture and Awards Ceremony
This year’s lecture and awards ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall. This event features a keynote address by the distinguished Cheryl Brown Henderson, a nationally acclaimed advocate and one of the daughters of the lead plaintiff in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
The event will honor King’s enduring legacy while celebrating the outstanding contributions of Carolina’s students, faculty and staff who exemplify his values of equity, justice and service. The University will award the MLK Jr. and Harvey Beech Scholarships, along with the MLK Jr. Unsung Hero Awards.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
The MLK Jr. Day of Service celebrates King’s legacy of civic engagement and service.
Members of the Carolina community are encouraged to join the planning committee in supporting the Carolina Cupboard. Attendees should bring canned goods and toiletries to the Hoops for Hunger basketball tournament. The eight-team student basketball tournament will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 19 at Woollen Gym.
All attendees are eligible for door prizes, and there will be concessions.
Community Forum
Youssef Carter, a distinguished facilitator and thought leader, will lead this year’s community forum, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 21 in the Great Hall of the Frank Porter Graham Student Union.
At this free public event, students, faculty, staff and members of the public will explore meaningful dialogue about activism, identity and the ongoing journey toward justice. This is an opportunity to connect, reflect and grow in community with others committed to fostering a more equitable world. Attendees should bring questions, experiences and perspectives to this open and transformative space.
Unity Event
The MLK Jr. Celebration Week will close with the unity event at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Frank Porter Graham Student Union.
Featuring performances from various student groups and organizations, the unity event is an opportunity to appreciate the variety of cultures and backgrounds that make up the Carolina community.
Food and beverages will be provided in the Great Hall lobby at 6 p.m.
