MLK Jr. Commemorative Series
Celebrated novelist Dinaw Mengestu challenges American exceptionalism in MLK Commemorative keynote
Jan. 19, 2021—Ethiopian American novelist Dinaw Mengestu gave an impassioned personal view of growing up in an immigrant family in the United States during his keynote address for this year’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative event, hosted in partnership with the Vanderbilt Chancellor’s Lecture Series.
University leaders reflect on life of community activist Kwame Lillard, frequent contributor to Vanderbilt’s MLK Series
Jan. 14, 2021—Vanderbilt leaders are reflecting on the life and legacy of veteran civil rights activist Kwame Lillard, who died Dec. 20 in Nashville. As recently as January 2020, Lillard shared his firsthand experiences in the civil rights movement with Vanderbilt students as part of the university’s annual 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.