2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is an opportunity for the UH Community to celebrate and reflect on the legacy and life of the most consequential civil rights leader: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus departments and student organizations from across campus have put together a wonderful series of events for you to attend.
The theme for this year's celebration is, "Friends of the King." We believe this theme resonates with Dr. King's vision for a society that upholds justice, equality, and unity, while emphasizing the importance of collective effort in the advancement of these principles.
To deepen your understanding of Dr. King, you can review his biography and a civil rights timeline of his life events or visit the MLK Gallery. By attending the celebratory events and engaging in service projects over the next couple of weeks (by yourself or with others) we hope that reflection finds you and that you may answer the questions, "who were the friends of Dr. King during his lifetime and after?" And, "what actions can I take to commit to demonstrate that I, too, am a friend of the king?"
MLK Jr. Celebration Featuring the Honorable Sylvester Turner
Join us for this year's University of Houston's Dr. Martin Luther King Jrs Commemorative Campus Celebration.
The event will have live music by Htown Orchestra, light afternoon snacks, a captivating and movie performance by Jonathan Lajas and a keynote address by Former Mayor Sylvester Turner. The keynote address will discuss the importance of the role of collective community action and offer his reflections on his term as the mayor of the nation’s 4th largest city. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Dr. Lekesha Barnett.
Walk-ins are welcome but seating is limited. Reserve your seat or a table for eight (8) for your department or student organization by 1/24/24 at noon.
Seating is limited, pre-register today! Watch the 2024 livestream!2024 Schedule of Events
UH MLK Gallery Walk
MLK JR. Planning CommitteeEmbark on a journey through the experiences of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the key figures who shaped his life and continued his impactful legacy. Explore captivating images from Dr. King's life, showcasing moments of friendship and the profound influence of comradery on the pursuit of social justice and change. The Gallery will be open from Monday, January 15, 2024, to Friday, January 26, 2024, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm
Free Wednesday Lunch
A.D. Bruce Religion Center; Dean of Students; Office of Government and Community Relations11:30 am - 1:00pm | A.D. Bruce Religion Center
The Wednesday Lunch program creates an opportunity for our community to connect and engage with one another over a free meal. All are Welcome. Each Wednesday lunch is generously sponsored/provided by a UH Department, Campus Ministry, or local House of Worship.
MLK X SGA Photoshoot: "How are You a Friend of the King?"
Student Government Association12:30–2:30pm | Student Center South Tables
How Are you a friend of the king? Check out our tabling to take pictures and write affirmations that show your support for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's message to the world and how you put his words into action in your life!
"Interview with a King" Film Premiere
Student Centers, Veteran Services6:00–8:00pm | Theater - Student Center South
Interview with a King was written by University of Houston alumnus Major General Barrye Price, PhD. This documentary, with an interview format storyline, reintroduces Martin Luther King, Jr. and redefines him not as a god-like being defined by destiny, but as a man defined by conscience. Dr. Barrye Price endeavors to illustrate Dr. King's examples of leadership under fire, his duty to his fellow man, his fight for basic respect and human dignity for all mankind, his selfless pursuit of justice, and his moral crusade to soften the hardened hearts that represented the status quo.
MLK Jr. Celebration Featuring the Honorable Sylvester Turner
MLK JR. Planning Committee4:00–5:30pm | SC South Houston Room
The MLK Jr. Planning Committee is proud to invite you to attend this year's University of Houston's Dr. Martin Luther King Jrs Commemorative Campus Celebration. This year's theme is, "Friends of the King" where we will honor the collective work of the many people who worked alongside Dr. King in the fight for civil rights both then and now.
The event will have live music by Htown Orchestra, light afternoon snacks, a captivating and movie performance by Jonathan Lajas and a keynote address by Former Mayor Sylvester Turner. The keynote address will discuss the importance of the role of collective community action and offer his reflections on his term as the mayor of the nation’s 4th largest city. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Dr. Lekesha Barnett.
The event has limited seating and in order to guarantee a seat, you will need to reserve a seat in advance. You can RSVP HERE. UH Departments and Registered Student Organizations are encouraged to “host” a table where you promise to fill a table of 8 people.
Read more about the Honorable Sylvester Turner
SPB Movie Showing: Blackkklansman
Student Program Board7:30pm | Student Center South Theater
In honor of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s , SPB presents an official screening of the movie Blackkklansman! Set in the 1970s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the plot follows the first African-American detective in the city's police department as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local Ku Klux Klan chapter.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Center for Student Involvement12:00–4:00 pm | Student Center Ballroom
Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to the community at Day of Service. Participants will have the option to participate at service sites both on and off campus!
BSU Slam Poetry
Black Student Union7:00pm | Student Center South Theater
An event where students can showcase and perform their poetry in a contest! This is the second year of this event and is a partnership with Rice University students. The crowd will be great, the poetry will be better. Come network and honor MLK!
Exploring ‘Rustin’ - A Thoughtful Discussion
African American Studies DepartmentJoin us for an enlightening event delving into the remarkable life of activist Bayard Rustin. As a key advisor to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the mastermind behind the historic 1963 March on Washington, Rustin's contributions to the civil rights movement are both profound and inspiring. In this engaging session, we will uncover the untold stories of Bayard Rustin's activism, his strategic role alongside Rev. King, and the pivotal role he played in orchestrating the iconic March on Washington. From his early advocacy for nonviolent resistance to his dedication to the principles of equality and justice, Rustin's life is a testament to courage and resilience. Whether you are familiar with Rustin's legacy or discovering it for the first time, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the movement. Join us as we explore his enduring impact and reflect on the lessons his life provides for contemporary social justice initiatives. Don't miss this chance to be inspired and informed by the indelible mark Bayard Rustin left on the fight for civil rights in America.
MLK Jr. BBQ
(Formally scheduled January 15th)
The MLK Jr. BBQ is an annual cookout hosted by the Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to celebrate the works of their fraternity brother, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us for food, drinks, and games!