UTSW honors Dr. King’s life and legacy in annual MLK celebration
In an inspirational message, keynote speaker Michael J. Sorrell, Ed.D., President of Paul Quinn College, encouraged those gathered at UT Southwestern’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration to be part of the change that helps shape a better future.
“Make sure that the story told about your life is a book, not a page; that you were willing and had the courage to fight for what was right and not what was comfortable,” Dr. Sorrell said. “Be the people we dream of on behalf of others, not the ones who only reject others.”
Watch: Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration
In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, the annual event, now in its 37th year, fosters a culture of belonging and inclusivity within the campus community. It also recognizes UTSW students for their outstanding volunteerism and commitment to service.
Drawing nearly 500 in-person and online attendees, the program was hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity and the Office of Student Empowerment and Engagement. It included an award ceremony honoring recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Service and a musical performance by UTSW medical students Banahene Glover and Lacey Barnes.
Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer, provided opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of supporting communities through acts of kindness.
“Dr. King’s commitment to service, social justice, and the community has left us with an indelible mark that we want to imprint on our students, and UT Southwestern stands in support of such a commitment to serving others,” Dr. Nesbitt said. “Community service is at the heart of Dr. King’s work, and we highlight the continuation of his work through the efforts of our outstanding students.”
UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., spoke of the institution’s mission and how it advances Dr. King’s legacy.
“We are in service to a mission, which is to ensure the health of individuals and society so everybody can achieve their full potential,” Dr. Podolsky said. “This day reminds us of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called on us to do. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend this time to rededicate ourselves to his mission, which aligns with who we are as an institution.”
Dr. Sorrell, the charismatic headline speaker, has received national recognition for his work in higher education and his dedication to putting the needs of students first. During his talk, he commended UT Southwestern for providing a mental health services program for students at Paul Quinn College and investing in their well-being amid their academic pursuits.
Throughout his powerful address, Dr. Sorrell discussed the significance of acknowledging history and Dr. King’s war on poverty, fighting for the rights of all to be treated with dignity and respect. He shared that in the face of adversaries, strength can be found through uniting with allies and using one’s voice to speak out for human rights and justice. This, in turn, honors Dr. King’s advocacy for an inclusive world.
“Be people who honor Dr. King by honoring his war on poverty and the entire body of his work – the Dr. King who fought to include everyone,” Dr. Sorrell said.
Following the celebratory event, attendees enjoyed discussions, food, and refreshments at a reception.
