UC rallies for MLK's dream: From words to action

UC spotlights inspiring events to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy

The University of Cincinnati is turning up the excitement as it urges everyone to walk the talk in keeping Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream alive.

Get ready for a feast of inspiration and self-improvement at UC's African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC), Tangeman University Center (TUC) and the College of Medicine. This isn't just a celebration; it's a call to action inspired by King's timeless words: "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

"We're not just dreaming, we're living it!,” says Eric Watford, AACRC program director, “King's dream wasn't built in a day, and we're keeping the flame alive through our words, outreach and collaboration."

Living the Dream — It Starts With Us

The celebration kicks off in UC's TUC Great Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute, "Living the Dream — It Starts With Us," is set to energize the crowd with keynote speaker Gabe Davis, a powerhouse with a background in civil rights.

Participants will enjoy an inspiring day of self-improvement — including breakfast — that dives deep into King's movement, life and legacy before the prestigious "Embodiment of Hope Award" is presented, honoring a UC hero who embodies King's spirit, vision or goals. RSVP online

Thursday, Jan. 11, is all about self-discovery at UC's AACRC with the MLK Day of Learning. Fuel up your passion for change during a dynamic luncheon where co-leaders Keith Lanser and Ilaisah Martinez will tackle personal identities, implicit bias, privilege and self-care and meditation.

RSVP - part one

RSVP - part two

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Martin Luther King Jr.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of O'dell Owens, MD

Portrait of Odell Owens, MD. with hand supporting his head and finger pointing up side of face.

O'dell Owens, MD photo/provided

UC Health and UC’s College of Medicine wrap up the week on Friday, Jan. 12, from 10-11:30 a.m., with the 51st annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration ceremony. This year, they're shining the spotlight on the incredible life and legacy of O'dell Owens, MD, within the UC family and beyond.

The morning ceremony, led by UC’s Michael Thomas, MD, promises a powerful humanitarian honoree event in Kresge Auditorium in the UC Medical Sciences Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way.

Find more information or RSVP online.

Through the collective struggle for equal rights worldwide, King's words continue to echo, urging everyone to make a career of humanity by committing to the noble struggle for equal rights. “You will make yourself a better person, a greater nation of your country and a finer world to live in."

Get ready to be inspired, uplifted and ready to make a difference!

Featured image at top: Sculpted head of the Martin Luther King Jr. national monument.  Photo/Raffaele Nicolussi/ courtesy of Unsplash

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