This January, the University of Michigan will host its 40th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium Keynote Memorial Lecture, featuring distinguished speakers Donzaleigh Abernathy and Derrick Johnson. The event is set to take place at Hill Auditorium, starting at 10 a.m. on January 19, and will be available via livestream.
Event Highlights
Themed “Unbowed and Unbroken — The Enduring Struggle for Justice,” this year’s symposium aims to reflect on the resilience needed for long-term social change, as explained by Angela Dillard, interim vice provost for access and opportunity at U-M. “Being ‘unbowed and unbroken’ speaks to qualities of resilience necessary for those who would undertake intergenerational change,” she noted. She emphasized that achieving a just society demands a collective vision, diverse perspectives, and unwavering hope.
Donzaleigh Abernathy
Donzaleigh Abernathy, an acclaimed civil rights activist and godchild of Martin Luther King Jr., comes from a legacy steeped in the struggle for equality. As the youngest daughter of Ralph Abernathy, she witnessed the bombing of her family’s home and participated in landmark protests such as the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery March. Abernathy is also known for her literary contributions, including the book “Partners To History,” and for her role in various educational initiatives.
Derrick Johnson
As the 19th president and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson has been at the forefront of civil rights advocacy, leading the organization through pivotal campaigns like “We Are Done Dying” and playing a key role in the successful NAACP v. Trump Supreme Court case. Johnson’s leadership continues to address systemic inequities, focusing on issues ranging from social media accountability to healthcare disparities.
Sharon Burch, interim co-director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, expressed the importance of this year’s speakers: “We are honored to have two inspiring speakers who can bridge the Civil Rights movement to the issues facing us today.”
Four Decades of Tribute
U-M’s MLK Symposium, one of the largest university events honoring King nationwide, was born out of late 1980s student activism aiming to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a university holiday. Coordinated by the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, the symposium annually addresses pressing social and political issues through the lens of King’s teachings.
Departments across campus will also host related activities, further exploring this year’s theme. Interested departments can submit event details for inclusion on the symposium’s website online.
