Realizing the Dream Through Healing and Resilience: Commemorating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Valparaiso University

campus community and members

Dec. 14, 2023 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University invites the campus community and members of the public to attend the annual event to honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15, 2023. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Realizing the Dream Through Healing and Resilience.” Speakers at the event include Morgan M. Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH, director of community outreach and engagement for Howard University Hospital’s psychiatry department.

Dr. Medlock is the editor of “Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions,” a scholarly journal that offers a unique foundation for addressing racism within mental health care. Over the course of her distinguished career, Dr. Medlock has served on the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Minority Mental Health and Health Disparities, including a term as vice chair from 2019-2020. She also served as co-chair of the District of Columbia Hospital Association’s Opioid Taskforce from 2019-2020. 

Events at the 2024 MLK Day

Events at the 2024 MLK Day at Valparaiso University will include: 

  • Convocation, 1–2:30 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection – An annual ceremony featuring the presentation of awards, speeches by key members of the Valpo community and Dr. Medlock, and music from award-winning gospel artist and singer Robert Hawkins.
  • Focus Sessions, 10–11:30 a.m., Harre Union Ballrooms – Join faculty, staff, and leaders in the Valparaiso community for a variety of discussions based on healing, resilience, and the work of Martin Luther King Jr. Click here for a full list of sessions and presenters. 
  • Children Programming, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Harre Union – Elementary-aged children in grades K-5 may participate in an MLK “Kids’ Track,” where they will engage in a variety of games and activities to encourage mindfulness from an early age. A pizza lunch will be provided, registration is required.

“Valparaiso University’s MLK 2024 celebration will not only be an outstanding acknowledgement of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy,” said Karen Allen, RN, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions and co-chair of the MLK Day Steering Committee. “It will also be an opportunity to focus on healing and resilience for each attendee. Regardless of what challenges, stresses, conflicts and more that are circulating in the world, this year’s program will not allow you to leave the same way that you came.”
Registration for all events is at 9:30 a.m. at the Harre Union. For more information and a full detailing of this year’s events, please visit valpo.edu/mlk.