Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
In collaboration with partners on campus and in the community, SIUE's Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub hosts a luncheon in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Highlights of the luncheon include keynote speakers, musical performances and the awarding of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards: SIUE Student Scholarship; Humanitarian Award(s); and Youth Essay, Poetry and Visual Arts Contest (for local youth).
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for the awards, outlined in the tabs on this page, throughout the fall semester. Applications open on October 1, 2023 and close on December 21, 2023 at 12pm.
We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and our theme is We Are Called to be a Movement. Also, the title of Rev. Dr. Barber’s book, this theme stems from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1968 Poor People's Campaign that was unfinished then revived by Rev. Dr. Barber in 2018. This campaign was originally part of the second phase of the civil rights movement led by Dr. King just before his assassination. Today it continues Dr. King’s work in fighting systemic racism and demanding equity for poor communities in the United States.
“We have moved from the era of civil rights to the era of human rights, an era where we are called upon to raise certain basic questions about the whole society. We have been in a reform movement…But after Selma and the voting rights bill, we moved into a new era, which must be the era of revolution. We must recognize that we can’t solve our problem now until there is a radical redistribution of economic and political power.” — Report to Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Staff (May 1967)
Tickets to Attend the Celebration
Tickets can be purchased individually for $50 each or a table can be purchased for $350. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More details on sponsorships can be found on the Become a Sponsor tab to the left. Ticket Sales are OPEN! Sales will close on Wednesday, January 10th.
Purchase Tickets Here
SIUE departments and offices interested in making ticket or table purchases can contact the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub at inclusion@siue.edu or 618.650.3180.
The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10:30am)
Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available! Click the tab on the left for more details.
If you have any questions, please email inclusion@siue.edu.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Project
As part of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we have a chance to show our local communities what we know is true; SIUE values service and community. Make plans to be part of SIUE's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service!
Plans are being made for service opportunities in all 3 communities where SIUE is located - Alton, East St. Louis, and Edwardsville. Details will be updated here as they become available so be sure to RSVP to stay informed! Get Involved link will be coming soon!
