MU Celebrates

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Keynote Program

Thursday, Jan. 30 in the Bond Life Sciences Center

5:30-6:15 p.m.
Reception and artists’ showcase

6:15-7:30 p.m.
Keynote program

For MU students, staff and faculty, use the MU registration link below. If you do not have an MU email address, please use the community member registration below.

MU Registration Community Member Registration

Interested in joining us virtually?

A livestream is available for this event. No registration is required for this option.

Program Speaker
Emcee

Jerrod Jackson

Jerrod Jackson, Director of MizzouRec, has served as a leader at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Louisiana State University. His strategic vision and steadfast commitment to creating positive, inclusive environments have left lasting impacts on students, staff, and campus communities nationwide.

Throughout the evening, Jerrod will inspire attendees to reflect on the heart of leadership. His words will encourage all to think critically about how we can continue to drive positive change in our communities and uphold the values of service, humility and compassion Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. championed.

Picture of Jerrod Jackson.

Program Speaker
Opening Remarks

Dr. Angela King Taylor

Dr. Angela King Taylor leads the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Missouri as the Interim Vice Chancellor. In her remarks, she will address Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on higher education.

As a leader, Dr. King Taylor guides the division to create transformative opportunities for students to connect their academic and cocurricular lives in ways that contribute to a sense of belonging at Mizzou and overall student success.

Headshot of Dr. Angela King Taylor.

Program Speaker
Keynote Address

Dr. Yorri Berry

Dr. Yorri Berry is a poet and youth empowerment advocate with extensive experience in elevating underrepresented voices. Her impact includes roles with Martha’s Table, KIPP Los Angeles Schools, Communities in Schools and the Children’s Defense Fund.

Dr. Berry directs a national policy fellowship training formerly homeless youth to transform policies on homelessness and trafficking. She is also an advocate for women and children, serving on advisory committees with organizations like Futures Without Violence.

Photo of Yorri Berry

Keynote Discussion

  • Dr. Yorri Berry – Director of Youth Partnerships, Youth Empowerment Speaker
  • Carrington Peavy – President, Legion of Black Collegians
  • Clay Van Eaton – President, Missouri Students Association
  • Damilola Oduolowu – Director of Public Relations, Graduate Professional Council
  • Makayla Morton – Executive Director, Campus Activities Programming Board
  • Mathew Kimaku – Past President, Alumni Association Student Board

Performances

Sankofa Chorale

Directed by Dr. Brandon A. Boyd, Sankofa Chorale provides a choral and instrumental space where singers of all identities can perform the various genres of the Black tradition.

Alex Plummer

Plummer serves as Executive Pastor and Minister of Music at United Community Cathedral in Columbia, Missouri. He is passionate about helping others overcome limitations and achieve greatness through ministry, mentorship and music.

Candace Kauffman

Kauffman honors her faith and builds community through dance. She trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, where she studied ballet, West African dance, modern dance, choreography and more.

Artists' Showcase

Cianna Marie Hernandez
Black Boy Joy

This work reflects the deep bonds within families and calls to the importance of unity, dignity and love – values Dr. King embraced. Mirroring his vision of strong family structures as part of the larger movement for racial equality, it captures the complex experiences of Black children and parents by illuminating the freedom and joy, power and resilience, and boundaries and constraints that surround them.

Dai’Montre Yancy
Family Matters

​This work draws inspiration from the family photo album, symbolizing the importance of family in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. It highlights Coretta Scott King’s ability to navigate the dual responsibilities of activism and motherhood, speaking to the resilience of Black women who often shoulder immense burdens while striving for the well-being of their families and communities.

Kijah Woods
Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown

Reflecting Dr. King's message of unity and shared humanity, this piece encourages the viewer to consider the connections between different movements, communities and generations. Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown also emphasizes the dignity and sense of divine purpose Dr. King embodied through his purpose-driven leadership.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Growth Workshop

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Friday, Jan. 31 | MU Student Center 2206 B&C

 

Participants will reflect on Dr. King’s vision of a more just future. Through this skill-building workshop guided by Dr. Yorri Berry, they will gain tools to develop their personal vision for leadership. They will also learn real-world strategies and skills to manifest their personal values in their lives at Mizzou and beyond.

Event Livestream