History and Mission

The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Black Student Union, and the William G. and Rose M. Mays lectureship fund events to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King was an American clergyman, sociologist, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience. King has become a national icon in the history of American progressivism.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Annual Celebration occurs on the 3rd Monday in January.

History of Events

• The first sponsored lectureship occurred in 2003 at the University of Evansville.
• The first Symbolic March of the 1963 Historic March in Washington occurred in 1984 at the University of Evansville.
• Starting in 2021, the Symbolic March changed its focus to the Voting Rights March from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL of 1965. The inaugural 54 Miles to Social Change virtual symbolic march enabled individuals and teams across the country to participate.
• 54 Miles to Social Change March connects to the Journey to Justice Summer Bus Tour started in 2021.
• MLK events typically include a march, rally, faith-based services, community leadership panel, unity conference, awards, and May’s Lectureship Program.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program Committee

Function: The committee shall consist of the Senior Diversity Officer, three faculty appointed by the Faculty Senate; two students, one of whom will be from the minority student population, appointed by the President of the Student Government Association; the University Chaplain; the Director of University Relations, an Associate Dean of Students, and community representation as deemed by the deed of the gift from the Mays. The chair of the committee will be the Senior Diversity Officer.

Membership: The committee shall consist of the Chief Diversity Officer, three faculty appointed by the Faculty Senate; two students, one of whom will be from the minority student population, appointed by the President of the Student Government Association; the University Chaplain; the Director of University Relations, an Associate Dean of Students, and community representation as deemed by the deed of the gift from the Mays. The chair of the committee will be the Chief Diversity Officer.

Committee Membership

• Ms. Abagail Catania (Student Engagement)
• Dr. Lisa Hale (College of Education and Health Sciences Representative)
• Ms. Melissa Morehead Moore (Center for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion)
• Dr. Yolanda Obaze (College of Business and Engineering Representative)
• Dr. Robert Shelby (Committee Chairperson)
• Professor Sarah Smith (William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences Representative)
• Mr. Michael Tessier (Student Affairs)

Annual Lectureship Speakers and Themes

• 2023 – Dr. Christopher Emdin, “A Liberated Other America”
• 2022 – Dr. Lerone A. Martin, “Unrelenting Faith.”
• 2021 – Ms. Karith Foster, “Our Time is Now.”
• 2020 – Mr. Theo Wilson, “20/20: King’s Vision and Legacy in Modern America.”
• 2019 – Professor Cynthia E. Nance, “Labor of Love.”
• 2018 – Mr. Robert Jackson, “Respect and Compassion for All.” (postponed due to weather and rescheduled on April 25, 2018)
• 2017 – Dr. Dorothy Simpson Taylor, “Championing Peace and Justice.”
• 2016 – Rev. Terry Atwater ’68, M ’73, “Rebuilding the Village through Courageous Conversations and the Initiation of Peace.”
• 2015 – Dr. Ramona Hyman, “Greatness is the Power to Serve.”
• 2014 – Mr. Darryl Davis, “Beloved Community: Strengthening Communities, Empowering Individuals, Bridging Barriers, and Creating Solutions.”

Mays Legacy Award

The award is presented annually at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Lectureship to a UE alumni or campus member selected by the University of Evansville Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize and affirm those who have made significant contributions in the areas of race relations, justice, and/or human rights. The nominees have been personally or corporately involved in making tangible, visible, and meaningful contributions to the advancement of race relations, justice, and/or human rights causes.

Award Recipients

• 2024 – To be announced at the Mays Annual Lectureship
• 2023 – Mr. Watez Phelps, ‘01
• 2022 – Rev. Veltri Taylor, ‘81
• 2021 – Ms. Stephanie Terry, ‘00
• 2020 – Ms. Connie Robinson-Blair, ‘78
• 2019 – Dr. Ira Neal, ‘61
• 2018 – Dr. Thomas Kazee, H ’18
• 2017 – Ms. Lana Burton, ’79
• 2016 – Ms. Estella Moss
• 2015 – Ms. Sondra Matthews, ’77
• 2014 – Dr. William and Dr. Rose Mays, ’67