Celebrating the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The UA campus community annually honors the life and legacy of Dr. King throughout the month of January.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life and Legacy Celebration:
An Evening of Music, Dance and Spoken Word
Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Moody Music Building
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with the UA Department of Theatre and Dance, the UA School of Music and other UA community members will present this event to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his many contributions to society. The evening includes performances by the MLK Celebration Mass Choir, which includes University Singers, faculty, staff, students and community members. The event is free and open to the community.
Realizing the Dream Through Commitment and Sacrifice
Legacy Banquet: Friday, Jan. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Bryant Conference Center
Dream Concert: Sunday, Jan. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Moody Music Concert Hall
Realizing the Dream is a yearlong celebration including a legacy banquet, concert, performing arts event and distinguished lecture series. These events are designed to affirm and keep alive Dr. King’s legacy among the people of Alabama. The concert features gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and the banquet will feature retired Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré as the speaker.
MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 16 | 8 a.m. to Noon
In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The Center for Service and Leadership will host our annual MLK Day of Service: A Day On, Not A Day Off. This is an in-person volunteer service day, and a great way to continue Dr. King’s Legacy by participating in community engagement while meeting the needs of the Tuscaloosa community. Lunch and transportation will be provided. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15 or when space runs out. For more information, contact the UA Center for Service and Leadership at volunteer@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: ‘Let’s Not Wait for the Next Martin Luther King’
Tuesday, Jan. 17 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff, & UA Systems
The Intercultural Diversity Center begins its TEDTalk Tuesday Series for the Spring semester by featuring Anne Walraven. Participants will hear Walraven’s stance on why environmentalists should explore climate concerns from the perspective of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with hope, encouragement and positive solutions. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
MLK Day Film: ‘Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin’
Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | 3700 Student Center (Forum)
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Safe Zone Resource Center will host a viewing of the documentary, “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.” Rustin was a part of the LGBTQIA community and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, the largest demonstration the country had ever seen. Participants will learn about his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as it relates to civil rights. Snacks will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, Jan. 25 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by offering an interactive program that focuses on his contributions to society. Virtual presentations, conversation starters and digital exhibitions of Dr. King’s historic march in Washington D.C. and his visit to Seattle, Washington in November 1961 will be available. Guests can experience the stories of his visits through images, words and videos at their own pace. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to share how Dr. King’s work has impacted their lives. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Exhibit Links:
THE MARCH Exhibit
Seattle, Washington Visit
Throughout the month
Gorgas Library MLK Poster Exhibit
Gorgas Library’s poster exhibit honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a display of student work from the Dr. Sarah Cheshire’s Fall 2022 UH 100 course are on display at the Capstone entrance to the library. Dr. Cheshire’s students researched UA campus history and used their knowledge to write informative plaques for historic campus sites. Examine these powerful student reflections on UA campus history and Dr. King’s beloved community and visit the University Libraries Martin Luther King, Jr. Resource Guide to explore Dr. King’s life, legacy and writings.
School of Social Work Literacy Initiative
The UA School of Social Work’s Diversity Committee invites the campus to help provide books for students at MLK Elementary School as a way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Books can be purchased and dropped off at Little Hall or ordered via the School of Social Work Amazon wish list. Titles purchased through wish list can be shipped directly to the School of Social Work and retained in the collection box in Little Hall.
Donations will be accepted through March 1, 2023, when books will be delivered to children during Read Across America Week.
For updates, visit the UA SSW DEI Events webpage. For more information, contact Leah Cheatham at lpcheatham@ua.edu.