Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Celebration

Events and programs

The Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebration is part of a campuswide initiative to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy, and his ideals. Carolina began its celebrations of King’s life and legacy long before there was a federal holiday. Carolina is the only university ever awarded the “Making of the King Holiday Award” by the former MLK Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. UNC-Chapel Hill engages in honoring King’s legacy through several efforts including a community celebration, day of service, lecture and awards ceremony, and a unity event. Events are typically hosted by the Carolina Union Activities Board and Student Life and Leadership and include the following:

• The MLK Jr. Community Celebration, during which the MLK Jr./Edith Wiggins Scholarship, Bridge Builders, and MLK Jr. Citizenship awards are presented.
• The MLK Jr. Lecture and Awards Ceremony, during which the MLK Jr., Unsung Hero, and Harvey Beech scholarships and awards are presented.
• The MLK Jr. Day of Service is dedicated to encouraging and empowering members of the Carolina community to participate in a campuswide service project.
• The MLK Jr. unity event brings students, community leaders, organizations, and local residents together to recognize, appreciate, and support the various cultures, backgrounds, and identities that define Carolina’s campus.