UNC’s MLK Jr. Celebration is part of a campus-wide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy and his ideals. Carolina began its celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy long before there was a federal holiday. UNC is the only university ever awarded the “Making of the King Holiday Award” by the former MLK Federal Holiday Commission. UNC-CH engages in honoring King’s legacy through several efforts: MLK Celebration and Committee; MLK University and Community Corporation; and the Day of Service.
The University Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosts this Week of Celebration, which includes:
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The MLK Celebration Banquet, during which the MLK High School Senior Scholarship, Bridge Builders and Citizenship awards are presented
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The MLK Lecture and Awards Ceremony, during which the MLK UNC Scholarship for UNC juniors and MLK Unsung Hero Awards are presented
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The MLK Student Day of Service, during which various efforts to support the Carolina community take place
Contents
UNCMLK2021 Schedule of Events
Sunday, January 17
Tuesday, January 26
Related Links
UNCMLK2021 Schedule of Events
36th ANNUAL UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY ANNUAL MLK BANQUET
Virtual: 6 p.m.
Tickets: $20
The week begins with the 36th annual University/Community Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet and Award Presentation, hosted by the MLK Jr. Corporation, in partnership with UNC’s Office for Diversity & Inclusion. The MLK University/Community Planning Corporation, a non-profit group founded in 1993, raises scholarship funds for high school students in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County and UNC students who work to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. Each year, the Corporation also honors citizens in “recognition of enduring service to humanity by word and by deed” through the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Awards.
This year’s speaker will be North Carolina Superior Court Judge Carl Fox. In 2005, the Honorable Judge Fox became the first black judge in his Orange-Chatham County district. The event wil also include Governor Roy Cooper and other special guests.
THE MLK LECTURE AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Virtual: 6 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
The MLK UNC Scholarship for UNC juniors and MLK Unsung Hero awards will be presented. Our keynote speaker will be Patrisse Cullors, social activist, best-selling author of When They Call You A Terrorist and co-creator of the viral Twitter hashtag and movement, #BlackLivesMatter.
Registration Opens January 5.
Related Links
Michael Eric Dyson Calls for Unity and Inclusiveness in Keynote Lecture (The Well, Jan. 24, 2020)
Taj and Jones Recognized as 2020 MLK Unsung Heroes (The Well, Jan. 24, 2020)
MLK Week of Celebration: Voices. Presence. Community (diversity.unc.edu, 2018)
UNC MLK Celebration Week begins Jan. 14″ (UNC.edu, 2018)
“Lynch: Move forward by reflecting on history” (UNC.edu, 2018)
“Unsung Heroes Strive to Even Out the Playing Field” (UNC Gazette, 2018)
Carolina Celebrates the Legacy of MLK, Jr.(UNC.edu, 2019)
Hertel Honored for Service to Carolina with MLK Unsung Hero Award (UNC Gazette, 2019)
Ben Jealous Urges Audience to Make the Future Come Faster(UNC.edu, 2019)
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr’s. Legacy as a Community (TheWell, 2020)
Continuing MLK’s legacy: The 39th annual MLK Lecture Connected King’s Life Today (Daily Tar Heel, Jan. 24, 2020)
CONTACT US
919-843-6086
SASB North, Suite 3226
diversity@unc.edu
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