The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., through his writings and his speeches, challenged all of us to find the courage to create positive change in a troubled world. He taught us the importance of listening to and learning from others. He shared his dream, offering a glimpse of what was possible. He inspired generations to chart a course of action, to have a real impact. Every year at the MLK Celebration, a group of Unsung Heroes is honored by Syracuse University for their selfless dedication to their community and for embodying the vision of Dr. King.
For more information, visit SU’s MLK website or the Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University website.
About the 2024 Keynote Speaker:
TALITHIA WILLIAMS TO SERVE AS FEATURED SPEAKER FOR 39TH ANNUAL REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION
Talithia Williams, Ph.D., big data expert, math professor and host of “NOVA Wonders” will serve as featured speaker at the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University.
This year’s theme is “The Reach of the Dream.”
Tickets for the dinner and program are now available.
We are so thrilled that you’ll be joining us for the celebration. Please see below for important details and contact information!
The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 21
Art gallery opens at 4:15 PM; Dinner opens at 5 PM.
JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University
PARKING
Free parking is available in the Irving Avenue Garage and in lots west of the JMA Dome. Visit the University’s Parking and Transit Services website for maps and directions. Shuttles will continuously loop from the west lots to Gate A from 2:30 -9 PM.
ENTER THE DOME
Enter the Dome in Gates A, B, C, and N. Gate A is the accessible entrance.
ACCESSIBILITY
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available for the event. Accessible seating is provided on the concourse level of the JMA Wireless Dome.
ATTIRE
All are welcome, regardless of clothing choice! Some will choose to dress up, some will be in business casual clothing, and some in jeans. Again, all are welcome!
For more information about the MLK Celebration or to request accommodations, contact Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901. Learn more about this and other Hendricks Chapel events by visiting chapel.syracuse.edu.
Williams, associate professor of mathematics and Mathematics Clinic director at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, is an innovative statistician, co-host of the PBS series “NOVA Wonders,” and a speaker whose popular TED Talk, “Own Your Body’s Data,” extols the value of statistics in quantifying personal health information. Williams demystifies the mathematical process in amusing and insightful ways to excite students, parents, educators and the larger community about STEM education and its possibilities.
Williams graduated from Spelman College and Howard University, and then later received a Ph.D. from Rice University. Her research involves developing statistical models that emphasize the spatial and temporal structure of data and applying them to problems in the environment. She’s worked at NASA, the National Security Agency and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and has partnered with the World Health Organization on research regarding cataract surgical rates in African countries.
At Syracuse University Williams’ topic will be “Becoming an Agent of Change for Inclusive Education.” By showing how educational systems are microcosms of our increasingly diverse society, Williams will address how to close achievement gaps and serve as inclusive agents of positive and profound change. In her keynote presentation, Williams hopes to inspire educators and learners or all ages by showing how data can be utilized to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
This event was first published on June 14, 2023 and last updated on January 19, 2024.
