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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, University of Utah
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MLK Week at the U: Becoming the Beloved Community
Join the University of Utah community as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy. Here are suggested readings, resources, events and conversations throughout the week that honor Dr. King’s vision, offer direction, and challenge us to determine a better way forward.

A message of solidarity 

In light of the recent threats to the Black Cultural Center on the University of Utah campus, the Accelerate team affirms that we stand with and support the Black community, staff, faculty, and students. We stand against systemic racism and recommit ourselves to dismantling racial discrimination in our community. 

We firmly believe that racism, hatred, inequality, and inequity have no place in our world—every person has the right to feel safe, seen, and heard.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

M

artin Luther King Jr. spoke of the “beloved community” as a nonviolent, just society where love and trust triumph over fear and hatred. In a year that has been filled with division, the 2022 MLK Week planning committee chose “Becoming the Beloved Community” as this year’s theme so we may explore ways to bridge the divide and work together to become the beloved community.

MLK Week: Becoming the Beloved Community

MLK Day Rally & March

January 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm MST — East High School

With Dr. King’s footsteps forging the pathway towards equity, we march to commemorate his legacy and the work of many activists during the Civil Rights movement. Join us for a rally and march (from East High to Kingsbury Hall) celebrating the legacy of MLK!

Signs for the march and shuttle rides back to East High School will be provided. Learn more..

A Conversation about Alberta Henry and Black Life in Salt Lake City

January 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MST — Facebook Live Event Website

For more than fifty years, a woman by the name of Alberta Henry—devoted civil rights activist, educator, and community leader in Salt Lake City—carried the torch for hope, compassion, and change. She embedded herself in the public school system, served as longtime President of the NAACP, and led the charge for equality through her religious community. Learn more...

MLK Evening with the Arts

January 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm MST — Marriott Center for Dance | Event Website

Celebrate local artists in an evening of art and joy at the Marriott Center for Dance. Featured artists include: Spirit Machines, Daney Lin, Wynter the Poet, Erica Houston, and Bashaun Williams. Learn more...

2045: Towards a More Diverse Future

January 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST — Hinckley Caucus Room (GC 2018) | Livestream

2045 is set to bring a huge demographic shift for the United States. By the time today’s teenagers hit their 30s, there will be more people of color than people who identify as White, more old people than children, and more people practicing Islam than Judaism. The effect of this demographic shift is already appearing now, but how are we as a country preparing for a more diverse future of America? In 2045, we are striving for a beloved community, a community that is not a lofty utopian goal but realistic, achievable, and mutual. What are we doing today to shape and make room for a more diverse and beloved community tomorrow? Learn more...

Book Discussion: "Nice Racism"

January 20 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am MST — Virtual Event | Event Website

Please join Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner for her monthly dean’s book review and discussion with Dean Martell Teasley, College of Social Work. The book they will be reviewing is, Nice Racism: How progressive white people perpetuate racial harm for MLK, by Dr. Robin DiAngeloThis New York Times bestseller explores how a culture of niceness inadvertently promotes racism. Learn more..

MLK Week Keynote: Derreck Kayongo

January 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST — O.C. Tanner Ballroom (Alumni House) | Livestream

End MLK Week with a keynote address from Derreck Kayongo, an internationally recognized visionary and humanitarian. Gain inspiration and gather advice from an expert who exemplifies the beloved community. Learn more...

Suggested readings and resources

Anti-Racist Reading List from Ibram X. Kendi

NY Times | 16 suggestions

"This anti-racist syllabus is for people realizing they were never taught how to be anti-racist. How to treat all the racial groups as equals. How to look at the racial inequity all around and look for the racist policies producing it, and the racist ideas veiling it. This list is for people beginning their anti-racist journey .." Ibram X. Kendi (author of "How to Be an Antiracist"

'I Have A Dream' Speech, In Its Entirety

NPR | 17 minute listen

Revisit King's celebrated "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Momentum for Anti-Racism Commission

Good Notes Blog | 2 minute read

In response to the 2020 petition from medical students, the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine organized an Anti-Racism Commission. José Rodríguez, MD, Associate Vice President for Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion shares the significant gains made over the past year.

Support for BIPOC UUH Employees

Resiliency Center | Pulse Page

UUH employees are striving through two pandemics: that of COVID-19 and that of widespread racism. The Resiliency Center recognizes that UUH employees who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) have been disproportionately impacted and often have less access to affirming supportive services.  In order to increase access, we have started compiling resources that may be of benefit. 

Contributors

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Leaders, experts, and educators who drive the University’s effort to create a safe and welcoming campus climate, University of Utah

Accelerate Editorial Team

Health care professionals who lead development and production of this learning community (see About), University of Utah Health

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