UNC’s MLK Jr. Celebration is part of a campus-wide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy, and his ideals. Carolina began its celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy long before there was a federal holiday. UNC is the only university ever awarded the “Making of the King Holiday Award” by the former MLK Federal Holiday Commission. UNC-CH engages in honoring King’s legacy through several efforts: MLK Celebration and Committee, MLK University and Community Corporation, and the Day of Service.

The University Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosts this Week of Celebration in partnership with the Carolina Union Activities Board and Student Life & Leadership, which includes:

• The MLK Jr. Memorial Banquet, MLK Celebration Banquet, during which the MLK High School Senior Scholarship, Bridge Builders, and Citizenship awards are presented
• The MLK Lecture and Awards Ceremony, during which the MLK UNC Scholarship for UNC juniors; Harvey Beech Scholarship for UNC sophomores, juniors, and graduate/professional students; and MLK Unsung Hero Awards are presented
• The MLK Student Day of Service, during which various efforts to support the Carolina community take place

Theme: “Finding Our Way Forward”

2023 MLK Week of Celebration Dates:

• MLK Jr. Memorial Banquet – Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at 6 pm, Friday Center
• MLK Jr. Day of Service – Monday, January 16th, 2023, from 3pm – 5pm, Mardi Gras Bowling Alley
• MLK Jr. Lecture and Awards Ceremony – Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, at 6 pm, James and Susan Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall (Free and open to the public)
• MLK Jr.  Unity Café, Sunday, January 22, 2023, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, Carolina Union – Great Hall (Heel Life Registration: https://heellife.unc.edu/event/8509316 )