VCU's MLK Celebration
VCU traditionally holds a full week of events and commemorations related to the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. The keynote address is developed and organized by the Community Engagement office.
MLK Week 2025 is currently in its planning phase! Please visit the MLKday.vcu.edu website for more information.
Recap of the 2024 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at VCU
Each year, Virginia Commonwealth University proudly hosts the Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Celebration, a cornerstone event that brings together the VCU community and the greater Richmond area to honor Dr. King's enduring legacy.
Event Highlights:
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Theme: “Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”
This year’s celebration centered around Dr. King’s profound vision of creating Beloved Communities, emphasizing both internal and external transformations needed to foster an inclusive and just society.
Keynote Address:
We were honored to have Vernon Gordon and Micah “Bam Bam” White as our keynote speakers. Their powerful addresses resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting on the theme and inspiring all to strive for personal and societal change.
Fireside Chat:
A notable highlight of the event was the Fireside Chat, featuring esteemed panelists Dr. Seisha Moon, Angelique Moon, and Dr. Shantelle Chambliss. This engaging discussion explored diverse perspectives on Dr. King’s philosophy and its relevance today, providing valuable insights into building Beloved Communities.
Special Guests:
The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including:
- President Rao
- Provost
- Dr. Mosavel, who delivered the opening remarks
- Archana Pathak
Community Engagement:
The celebration was a vibrant gathering of students, faculty, staff, and community members, all united in commemorating Dr. King’s legacy. It provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the values he championed.
Looking Forward:
The VCU Division of Community Engagement is dedicated to continuing this tradition annually, striving to inspire and empower our community to embrace the ideals of equity, justice, and unity that Dr. King so passionately advocated.
Join Us Next Year:
We invite you to mark your calendars for next year’s MLK Keynote Celebration. Stay tuned for updates on our website, and consider getting involved by volunteering or participating in our events.
Contact Us: For more information about the event or to get involved, please contact:
- Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobbs@vcu.edu
- Stephen Davenport at davenportse3@vcu.edu
Thank you for being a part of our annual celebration and for your continued support in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, we can work towards creating a beloved community for all.
