Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series
Virtual events mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Vanderbilt; paid staff holiday observed Jan. 18
Jan. 14, 2021—A series of virtual events for the Vanderbilt community will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 18. Beginning this year, MLK Day is a paid staff holiday, aligning with VU’s efforts to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion.
Acclaimed novelist Dinaw Mengestu to speak at Vanderbilt’s 2021 MLK Day commemorative event
Jan. 11, 2021—Ethiopian American novelist Dinaw Mengestu, known for his powerful and personal depictions of the immigrant experience and perspectives on the American dream, will be the keynote speaker for Vanderbilt University’s 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative event on Monday, Jan. 18.
2020 MLK Commemorative Series explores the ability of storytelling to connect
Jan. 22, 2020—Vanderbilt students, faculty, staff and postdoctoral fellows honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through programs, lectures, interactive teach-ins, community service projects and more as part of the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series.
Monáe, Salaam emphasize the interconnectedness of storytelling and truth in MLK Commemorative Series keynote
Jan. 20, 2020—During the keynote event of the 2020 MLK Commemorative Series, Janelle Monáe and Yusef Salaam discussed how stories have the power to bring truth to light, amplify inclusive narratives and shape the future.
MLK Day events include march and convocation, teach-ins and blood drive
Jan. 20, 2020—Vanderbilt's MLK Commemorative Series, which honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., continues today with the annual MLK Day march, convocation and campus teach-ins.
Open Mind: Telling our stories of diversity and hope
Jan. 13, 2020—In her latest "Open Mind" column, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente reflects on the words carved into the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
MLK Commemorative Series kickoff event set for Jan. 17 at Black Cultural Center
Jan. 10, 2020—The MLK Commemorative Series kickoff begins at noon today at the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center. Events continue through Monday, with the Joint Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 18, the MLK keynote event at Langford Auditorium featuring Janelle Monáe and Yusef Salaam on Sunday, Jan. 19, and the MLK Day march, convocation and teach-ins on Monday, Jan. 20.
Janelle Monáe and Yusef Salaam to speak at Vanderbilt’s 2020 MLK Commemorative Series
Dec. 16, 2019—Janelle Monáe, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, performer, producer and actor, and Yusef Salaam, one of the Exonerated Five, formerly known as the Central Park Five, will speak at Vanderbilt University on Jan. 19 as the featured panelists for the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series keynote event in Langford Auditorium.
MLK Commemorative Series seeking proposals for interactive and educational teach-in sessions
Oct. 23, 2019—Vanderbilt faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and professional students are invited to submit proposals to lead teach-ins during the university’s 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series. Selected proposals will be awarded a $500 stipend.
VU community celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and impact
Jan. 23, 2019—The Vanderbilt community celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a number of events leading up to and on MLK Day on Monday.
What’s On My Mind: Martin Luther King and the responsibility to speak up
Jan. 23, 2019—Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Vanderbilt's history of encouraging open dialogue, which continues today, in this week's column.
MLK Commemorative Series kickoff set for Jan. 18
Jan. 9, 2019—Vanderbilt will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series Jan. 18-21, providing numerous lectures, service learning opportunities and events for the university community. Political reporter April Ryan will deliver this year’s keynote address Jan. 21.