Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: U-M hosts institutionwide lectures and events

Today we commemorate and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the international impact he had battling racial inequality, fighting for justice and expanding the civil rights movement.

Dr. King’s efforts and the principles he represented transcend the Civil Rights Era and are instrumental in the continued work toward an equal and equitable world — where we all can thrive regardless of race or ethnicity.

At Michigan Medicine, we continue to uphold Dr. King’s principles of anti-discrimination, civil rights and equity. We remain committed to fostering an environment where respect, inclusion and empathy are foundational to our workplace, training grounds and health care and research facilities. This will only enhance how we deliver care, drive innovations in research and educate future leaders. 

In recognition of such a monumental leader and his impact, this week U-M is hosting a series of events and lectures in acknowledgement of Dr. King’s lifetime commitment to equity, including the virtual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium Keynote Lecture held today, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.

Noted journalists and commentators Maria Hinojosa and Rashad Richey will co-headline the keynote lecture. In a moderated discussion led by Patricia Coleman-Burns, professor emerita of nursing, the trio will discuss the theme of this year’s symposium, “This is America,” and explore defining America through the lens of social justice.

The annual Health Sciences MLK lecture will also be held today, Jan. 17 at noon, with the theme, “This is America:  Confronting Health Inequities…Writing Prescriptions for Change.”

The keynote lecture will be delivered by Lakesha Butler, Pharm.D. Butler is a clinical professor of pharmacy practice and the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy. Butler is a national speaker on antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion and coauthor of numerous peer reviewed articles.

In both her lectures and articles, she highlights the correlation between health equity and antiracism and pharmacy — and how health care professionals can contribute to creating a more equitable health care system.

Click here to check out her presentation for yourself. And thank you for everything you do to contribute to a more equitable workplace at Michigan Medicine!