The 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee seeks to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of thought-provoking activities centered on EmPOWERing Democracy: Embodying Dr. Martin Luther King's Vision.
As a Charger community, we will focus on Dr. King's historical vision of America's democracy by addressing the intersection of voting rights, nonviolent activism, and some pivotal moments when America became a democratic society. We will also recognize the work of the NAACP, which has used advocacy and litigation to fight for civil rights, since its founding 115 years ago.
Dr. King's tireless efforts to secure rights and advocate for justice for all people are at the heart of our MLK week celebration. In addition, EmPOWERing Democracy pays tribute to those who have fought – and continue to fight – for equity and justice. We acknowledge that nonviolent activism and social justice advocacy, which were defining aspects of Dr. King's leadership, remain central to our approach to fostering meaningful dialogue and social change within our Charger community.
"EmPOWERing Democracy: Embodying Dr. Martin Luther King's Vision" is a tribute to the past and a call to action today -- and for the future. It embodies the enduring spirit of Dr. King's dream and inspires a new generation to continue the pursuit of a more just, caring, and equitable society.
Thursday, January 18, 4:30 p.m. | Alumni Lounge, Bartels Campus Center
Please join us in celebrating the legacy of faith identity in activism at our Interfaith Service. This event will feature faith leaders representing faiths from our community speaking about how faith has played a role in their work and the legacy of faith in the civil rights movement and other movements for liberation around the world.
Sponsored by the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Dean of Students Office.
Friday, January 19, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Alumni Lounge, Bartels Campus Center
Please join us in celebrating the legacy and history of activism at the University of New Haven and beyond at the Celebration & Archive of Activism. As part of the UNewHaven Archive of Activism, the University community is invited to share and contribute experiences, events, photos, videos, and more of moments of activism in the University’s history.
Sponsored by the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Office of Residence Life
Thursday, January 18 - Tuesday, January 23
Join the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation for various community service projects to be held during our MLK Celebration. These projects will be completed in collaboration with nonprofit organizations supporting the Greater New Haven community.
Sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation the Office of Graduate and International Student Life.
For more information, please email cselo@newhaven.edu.
Monday, January 22, 5 p.m. | Alumni Lounge, Bartels Campus Center
Join the NAACP for a workshop on how they use advocacy and litigation to fight for civil rights. The audience will hear from various leaders who will highlight histories related to liberation and social justice.
Sponsored by the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the NAACP Recognized Student Organization.
For more information, email cdi@newhaven.edu
Wednesday, January 24, 5 p.m. | Bucknall Theater, Dodds Hall
Please join the MLK Celebration committee for the culmination of our weeklong celebration. The event will feature a keynote speaker as well as recognition of MLK Vision Award recipients who demonstrate a commitment to the ideals and values of Dr. King. We will also honor the winners of the MLK Regional Secondary School Students Challenge. The celebration is an integral part of the MLK week of events. It is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by the MLK Celebration Committee.
For more information email deanofstudents@newhaven.edu
Vision Awards
Nominations due: December 15
Nomination Form (myCharger login required)
Philip & Susan Bartels Awards for Leadership and Service
Nominations due: December 15
Nomination Form (myCharger login required)
MLK Student Scholarship
Applications due: December 15
Scholarship Application (myCharger login required)
Due Date: January 5, 2024
We are inviting regional secondary school students to submit an entry (video, essay, poem, visual, etc.) that depicts the MLK theme: EmPOWERing Democracy: Embodying Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's Vision as well as what Martin Luther King Jr means to them and their communities. This is open to all high school students. The winners of this challenge will be recognized at the MLK Celebration event.
Sponsored by the MLK Celebration Committee.
All entries can be emailed to MLKCelebration@newhaven.edu.
2023 Vision Award Winners
2023 Phillip & Susan Bartels Award for Leadership and Service
Linda Copney-Okeke ‘91, ‘94, ‘02 M.A., Director, Accessibility Resources Center
MLK Student Scholarship Recipient
Kaelin Barrionuevo ‘26
T-Shirt Contest Winner
Eyosias Teka '24
2022 Vision Award Winners
Philip & Susan Bartels Awards for Leadership and Service
Sofia Martinez ‘22
MLK Student Scholarships
Anta Fall ‘23
Katiushka Ruiz ‘24
T-Shirt Contest
Kiana White ‘23
As part of its weeklong Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the University recognized several Chargers who embody Dr. King’s ideals and who are committed to making a difference in the University and local communities.
As part of the University’s MLK Celebration, several members of the University community who embody Dr. King’s ideals were honored for their dedication to making a difference in the University community and beyond.
As part of the culminating event of the University’s MLK Celebration, Dr. Yohuru Williams spoke to members of the University community, encouraging them to live by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, urging them to connect his vision with the University’s mission.
I am grateful for the opportunities my classmates and I had to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy as part of the University’s weeklong MLK Celebration. I am proud to honor his vision and the power it has to continue to change the world for the better.