Campus & Community

39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Photos

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, By News Staff

The University’s 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration was held on Sunday, Jan. 21, in the JMA Wireless Dome.

This annual event, attended by nearly 2,000 people, is the largest of its kind on any college campus. The program seeks to honor the message and mission of King and is a direct expression of the University’s commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. This year’s theme was “The Reach of the Dream.”

Talithia Williams, big data expert, math professor and host of “NOVA Wonders,” was the event’s keynote speaker. She spoke on “Becoming an Agent of Change for Inclusive Education”  and addressed how to close achievement gaps and serve as inclusive agents of positive and profound change.

The program included student and community group performances, and the presentation of this year’s . An art gallery featuring works from local Black artists was also part of the celebration.

Images from the evening:

Cjala Surratt talking to people in the Art Gallery

Cjala Surratt of the Black Artist Collective talks to guests in the celebration’s art gallery. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Artist London Ladd, instructor in the School of Art in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, shares his work with a guest.

Artist London Ladd, instructor in the School of Art in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, shares his work with a guest. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Students making crafts

Students make crafts during the celebration event. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Community youth attend MLK Celebration

Community youth attended the celebration to support Unsung Hero recipient Murjan Abdi, pictured second from right. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Guests at MLK Celebration Dinner

Guests enjoy the traditional MLK Celebration dinner. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

MLK Celebration guests

MLK Celebration guests (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Adonfo Ensemble performs at MLK Celebration

Members of the Adonfo Ensemble perform during the celebration. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

MLK Honorary Degree recipients

Pictured left to right, the 2024 Unsung Hero recipients are Elbethel Berhane (community youth), Murjan Abdi (community adult), Sharon Dotger (ϲ faculty) and Mia-Marie Fields ’24 (ϲ student). (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

MLK speaker Talithia Williams

Keynote speaker Talithia Williams, big data expert, math professor and host of “NOVA Wonders” addresses the audience. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

MLK Community Choir performing at the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King celebration

Cora Thomas leads the MLK Community Choir. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)