Recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthdate has been a tradition at The University of Iowa since 1969, and the national holiday has been observed through human rights programs since its inception in 1986. In 1990 the University initiated the Human Rights convocation program. Afternoon classes were cancelled to encourage student, faculty, and staff participation in programs that encourage dialogue about diversity and reinforce the principle that the University is a forum for the free exchange of ideas. The convocation has been an opportunity for serious thinking by all of us about issues of social justice, human rights, and world peace.

An official University holiday was designated in 1995 to provide an opportunity to engage the University community in a discussion of the human values that the King holiday epitomizes. These initial events have grown into a campus wide celebration that engages faculty, staff, students and community members to give lectures, discussions, and cultural arts presentations. All events are free and open to the public. For a complete and updated list of events, view the event listing.

MLK, Jr. Community Opening Celebration

President Sally Mason, Marian Coleman, Voices of Soul, and more.
Monday, January 19, 2009, 6:30 pm
2nd Floor Ballroom, Iowa Memorial Union

Sponsored by The 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Human Rights Planning Committee

For more information contact Katherine Betts, 319-335-3059

Day of Service

Make Monday, January 19th, your day on-not a day off—by volunteering in our local community in honor of Dr. King’s memory. Our campus will join with others across the country who “keep the dream alive” through service activities on the MLK Holiday.

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