UNC-Chapel Hill’s 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week, which honors the bridge-building legacy of Dr. King Jr., kicks off on Jan. 15 and includes events that highlight the intersectionality of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The events are designed to bring the Carolina community together in celebration of Dr. King legacy under this year’s theme “Finding Our Way Forward.”
The MLK Jr. week of celebration is co-led by the MLK Jr. Student Planning Committee, comprised of representatives from Carolina Union Activity Board (CUAB); Student Life and Leadership; various student organizations and the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion.
UNC’s MLK Jr. Celebration is part of a campus-wide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy, and his ideals. Carolina began its celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy long before there was a federal holiday. UNC is the only university ever awarded the “Making of the King Holiday Award” by the former MLK Federal Holiday Commission. UNC-CH engages in honoring King’s legacy through several efforts: MLK Celebration and Committee, MLK University and Community Corporation, and the Day of Service.
2023 MLK Week of Celebration Events and Dates:
The MLK Jr. University/Community Memorial Banquet – Sunday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education. The Banquet is hosted by the MLK Jr. University/Community Planning Corporation, in partnership with the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Tickets for this years event are sold out. Donations can still be made by visiting mlkpc-ch.org.
The MLK Jr. Day of Service, Strike Against Hunger – Monday, Jan. 16, 3-5 p.m., Mardi Gras Bowling Center – Chapel Hill. This year’s service project is a food drive which will directly benefit members Carolina community. Contributions received from the food drive will be donated to Carolina Cupboard, an on-campus organization that provides food assistance to students, faculty, and staff.
The MLK Jr. Lecture and Awards Ceremony – Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m., Moeser Auditorium, Hill Hall. It includes performances and entertainment by various student and community organizations and will feature a keynote address from civil rights attorney, Ben Crump. The Lecture and Awards Ceremony will also include the presentation of the MLK UNC Student Scholarship, the Harvey Beech Scholarship and the MLK Unsung Hero awards.
The MLK Jr. Unity Café – Sunday, Jan. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Carolina Union – Great Hall. This cultural event will feature performances from Greek-letter organizations, acapella groups, dance teams, and more. This event affirms Carolina’s commitment to celebrating and recognizing traditions, history, and significant contributions of our diverse community.
See full schedule