2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration, Keynote Speaker, Scholarships and Awards, and Call for Programs - Nov. 9, 2022
To the Eastern Michigan University community,
Eastern Michigan University will observe the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 13-16, 2023. This year’s theme is “Remembering the Dream.” The MLK, Jr. Planning Committee is pleased to announce the keynote speaker, opening of applications for scholarships, awards, and Academic Programs Conference proposals.
Keynote Speaker for the MLK, Jr. President’s Luncheon
Dr. Sampson Davis is an emergency physician, TV personality, and humanitarian. As a child, Dr. Davis grew-up in cramped living quarters surrounded by fragmented families, crime, and drugs. Still, he was a good student, able to strike the fragile balance between being smart yet socially acceptable on the streets. It was this combination of skills, Dr. Davis says, that were most critical to his survival. While attending University High School in Newark, Dr. Davis met Dr. Rameck Hunt and Dr. George Jenkins, two fellow students who together made a promise to become doctors. Dr. Davis and his two childhood friends each successfully fulfilled their pact and today Dr. Davis is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. Dr. Davis is also one of the authors of “The PACT." More information on Dr. Davis is available on the keynote section of our MLK website. Tickets for the MLK, Jr. President’s Lunch will go on sale Dec. 16, 2022.
MLK Scholarships and Awards
EMU is pleased to offer multiple scholarships and awards during the annual MLK celebration. Please click on the title of each scholarship or award to learn more information and review application requirements:
Evans-Strand Peace Award: Modeled after the Nobel Peace Prize, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a currently enrolled EMU student who has made significant contributions to the advancement of cultural understanding and acceptance of diversity at EMU. Application deadline is Dec. 16, 2022.
MLK, Jr. Rising Together for Justice Scholarship Contest: Three currently enrolled undergraduate students will be chosen to receive a $500 scholarship, based on the submission of a piece demonstrating how the theme “Remembering the Dream” speaks to the applicant. Application deadline is Jan. 2, 2023.
Presidential Difference Maker Scholarship: The Presidential Difference Maker Scholarship is a $2,500 award provided to a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate or graduate student who has made a significant contribution on-campus and/or off-campus that enriches the lives of others. Application deadline is Dec. 16, 2022.
Humanitarian Award: The Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals from Eastern Michigan University’s campus community or a member of the surrounding community who exemplify the values and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Application deadline is Dec. 16, 2022.
MLK Student Scholarship: The MLK Student Scholarship recognizes an Eastern Michigan University student who has demonstrated: (1) a commitment to promoting respect and improving the quality of life for all people consistent with the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 2) service to Eastern Michigan University and/or the southeastern Michigan community. The recipient will receive a $1,000 award credited to their student account and will be recognized at the MLK Scholarship Ceremony. Application deadline is Dec. 1, 2022.
Call for Academic Programs
The MLK Planning Committee invites proposals from faculty, staff, students, and community members for virtual academic sessions that support this year's MLK celebration theme, “Remembering the Dream.” The Academic Programs Conference will be held virtually on Sunday, Jan. 15 and hybrid (both virtually and in-person) on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. For more information and to submit a proposal, please click on the proposal submission form. For more information or questions, please visit the MLK website or email the planning committee at [email protected].
Thank you to the MLK Planning Committee members for their hard work and to our campus community for your consideration of deserving nominees.
James Smith, Ph.D.