Tribute to a Great Leader

Martin Luther King Jr. Day event poster with the words "Give Us The Ballot"

Jan 14, 2020

Observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with UMD.

This year’s theme is centered around Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s "Give Us the Ballot, and We Will Transform the South." In his speech, Dr. King speaks to the importance of political power and the right to vote. He states that the right to vote is a sacred right. A right that should be defended and aggressively upheld. The Reverend goes on to say that if we are to achieve racial justice, we need strong leadership from our government and our communities. He speaks to the coming freedom and independence of communities of color and the importance of leading with love. Dr. King suggests that even in victory we must, “avoid the temptation of being victimized with the psychology of victors.” We must work to pursue victories while seeking harmony with those who would see us harmed. Dr. King would have us focus on the future and not despair. He states, “Let us realize that as we struggle for justice and freedom, we have cosmic companionship.”

Breakfast
UMD's Office of Diversity and Inclusion is co-sponsoring the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 20. It will be held in the Kirby Ballroom, 1120 Kirby Drive, from 7:30–10 a.m.

The 2020 MLK Holiday Community Breakfast on January 20, presented in conjunction with the General Mills Foundation and UNCF to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to a full breakfast, a livestream will broadcast of this year’s keynote speaker, The Honorable Eric H. Holder Jr., the former Attorney General of the United States and the first African-American to serve in that position.

Breakfast is free for UMD alumni, students, faculty, and staff but people must RSVP. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more Info about the breakfast: 218-726-8444, [email protected]

RSVP for the free breakfast 7:30-10 a.m. SIGN UP in tables of four, eight or as individuals. Please register by Thursday, January 16, 2020. Special thanks to the UMD Dining Services who is a co-sponsor of the Breakfast.

MLK March
January 20, 10 a.m. at Washington Center - 310 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806. March begins at 11 a.m.

The 2020 MLK March will be led by Girl's Group MAP program and will host a variety of youth and community activities, poster making, and refreshments starting at 10 a.m., and the March will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

MLK Rally
January 20, 12 p.m. at the DECC - 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth

For the 2020 MLK Rally, the Keynote Speaker is Autumn Brown, and the emcee will be Doreen Nyamwaya. Performers include the Miziiweykaamikiinaang drum group, the ARE Poets, and the Major Atraktion Dance Group. The Drum Major for Peace Awards will be announced and presented. There will be children’s activities, a selfie photo booth, vendors, and free MLK buttons while supplies last outside the DECC hall before and shortly after the Rally. The Rally will begin promptly at 12 pm. The rally will be interpreted into American Sign Language and recorded for broadcast.

All of the MLK events are co-sponsored by UMD's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. To learn more about upcoming events, visit UMD's Multicultural Calendar of Events.

For more information about this event, visit the Duluth NAACP, or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at UMD 218-726-8444, [email protected]

About the Office of Diversity and Inclusion