In honor of Martin Luther King Day, UNC will hold a celebration comprised of events designed to commemorate the ideas and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. The highlight of the celebration will be the 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture on Thursday, January 21st, given by award-winning actor and producer Danny Glover. The lecture, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public, will focus on how King’s life and legacy influenced Glover to become involved in social activism through his platform as an actor.
Glover has been an advocate for economic justice, accessible health care, and education through his work with groups like the United Farm Workers, the Black Aids Institute and the Algebra Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to quality public education for all children.
UNC’s 27th annual MLK Scholarships, which are given to students exemplifying King’s vision and commitment to civil and human rights, will also be presented at the lecture. A candlelight vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Well shortly before the lecture as a time to reflect on King's messages.
Other events during the week include a Day of Service, the MLK Youth Leadership Program, the MLK rally, march, and worship service, as well as a film covering the civil rights movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s from the point of view of women involved entitled “Standing on My Sister’s Shoulders.”
Tickets for the Glover lecture are free but required. Carolina students with UNC One Cards may pick up tickets at the Memorial Hall Box Office on Cameron Avenue starting Jan. 12 – limit two tickets per One Card and two One Cards per student. Others may begin picking up tickets Jan. 14 – limit two tickets per person.
Tickets must be picked up in person. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The office will be closed Jan. 18. For ticket information, call (919) 843-3333.
For a full schedule and details on the weeklong celebration, visit www.unc.edu/diversity/mlk or call the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at (919) 962-6962.
