Following a tumultuous 2020 including an extremely volatile cultural climate, this year’s program focuses heavily on the call to action and advocacy for all people. The theme for 2021 is centered around a statement from Dr. King’s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" that helps sum up this call to action:

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

In the wake of George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans that have been the tragic victims of a racially unjust society, many have finally been awakened to the systemic injustices, inequities, and inequalities that have plagued our country. Not unique to this day and age, protests and public calls for social justice reform have taken center stage as a necessary path to a more perfect union.

Although the world has changed in several ways since Dr. King wrote his letter, it’s important to note that Dr. King’s message resonates now more than ever. We must focus on the intersectionality that compounds the societal issues of the oppressed and continue to advocate across the board in terms of promoting real progress and positive change - regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other identity markers - because civil rights are human rights.

Pre-Registration is required for this virtual event. The cost for non-UAH attendees is $8 - proceeds will go towards a scholarship fund to further assist UAH students achieve their goals and break boundaries. This event is free to all UAH students, faculty, and staff.

For more information, register for updates here or contact the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) at diversity@uah.edu.

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Commemoration Program