To honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The University of Alabama’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is hosting a special lecture by prominent African American Studies scholar Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.
Glaude is not only a professor of African American studies at Princeton University, but also an MSNBC commentator and author. He examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. His writings, including “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul,” “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America,” and his most recent, the New York Times bestseller, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own,” takes a wide look at Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States and the challenges we face as a democracy.
The keynote address will be held Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required for the event.
More Events Marking MLK Day
Food for Thought: Cultural Learning, Sharing and Teaching
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m. – noon, Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Led by Charles Wood, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Education Outreach Manager, this event will address diversity and inclusion through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings. Registration is required.
Social Justice Movie Series: “King in the Wilderness”
Friday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., Virtual
Viewers will learn stirring new perspectives into Dr. King’s character, his radical doctrine of nonviolence and his internal philosophical struggles prior to his death, inviting a sense of insight into one of the most profound thinkers of our time. Registration is required.
Realizing the Dream Legacy Awards Banquet
Friday, Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m., Bryant Conference Center
The 13th annual event will feature TV personality and attorney Star Jones as the keynote speaker. At the banquet, The Hon. U.W. Clemon will receive the Mountaintop Award, Dr. Nahree Doh will receive the Call to Conscience Award and Carina Villarreal will receive the Horizon Award. Visit the Realizing the Dream website for tickets and details.
Realizing the Dream Concert
Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Moody Music Building Concert Hall
Gospel singer, songwriter, actress and activist Kierra Sheard will be the featured performer. Visit the Realizing the Dream website for tickets and details. The Realizing the Dream events are a collaboration between Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and The University of Alabama.
MLK: A Day On, Not A Day Off
Monday, Jan. 17, 8 a.m.-noon
The day includes beautification projects in the community and schools among other activities in person and virtually. The Center for Service and Leadership will provide lunch and transportation to UA students. Registration required.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Presentation
Tuesday, Jan. 18, noon-1 p.m., Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
The Intercultural Diversity Center will provide a presentation sharing general facts on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, the history behind the commemoration of his holiday, and various ways we can contribute to our surrounding communities.
TEDTalk Tuesdays “MLK: The Voice We Need but Do Not Want”
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 1-2 p.m., Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
The Intercultural Diversity Center TEDTalk Tuesday Series will feature “MLK: The Voice We Need but Do Not Want.” Participants will hear from Gregory Thompson as he explores how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the ultimate symbol for justice and change and why his message of love has been forgotten.
UA College of Communication and Information Sciences Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Lecture
Thursday, Feb. 3, 3:30 p.m., 118 Graves Hall
The College of Communication and Information Sciences Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Lecture will be given by Lee Sentell, Alabama state tourism director and author of the 2021 Official U.S. Civil Rights Trail Book. His book lists historic sites in 15 states and is generating discussion for the ways sites are included, excluded, re-remembered or re-presented in the complex realm of Civil Rights tourism.
Book Drive/Literacy Initiatives for Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
Spring Semester 2022
The UA School of Social Work is accepting children’s books to benefit Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa. Books can be dropped off at the School of Social Work reception area or purchased from MLK Elementary School’s curated Amazon wish list.
Contact
Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie, Strategic Communications, caroline.mckenzie@ua.edu