USI Multicultural Center - Martin Luthur King, Jr. Day Celebration

MLK Day

Past Speakers

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Memorial Luncheon is Monday, January 21, 2013 at 11a.m. in Carter Hall.

*Please check back for next years guest speaker

Judge Glenda Hatchett, 2012
2012 keynot speaker was, Judge Glenda Hatchett, who presides over the syndicated show, "Judge Hatchett," and is the founder of Parent Power Now, the premier online parenting network. Judge Hatchett is also the author of the national best-sellers "Dare to Take Charge" and "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say."

After graduating from Emory University School of Law, Glenda Hatchett accepted a position at Delta Air Lines as the company’s highest-ranking African-American woman. Her outstanding contributions were recognized by Ebony Magazine, which named Glenda Hatchett one of the “100 Best and Brightest Women in Corporate America.” She then accepted an appointment as Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County, GA Juvenile Court where she became Georgia’s first African-American Chief Presiding Judge of a state court and the department head of one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country. As a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Hatchett was recognized as a distinguished alumni and awarded an honorary degree by the college. She also received the Emory Medal, the highest award given to an alum by Emory University because of her commitment to excellence and service within the community.

Hill Harper, 2011
On January 17, 2011 the MLK Memorial Luncheon keynote speaker was Hill Harper, who boasts a resume in mainstream and independent films, national television, and in literary circles. Recognized as one of the stars of CSI: NY, he has also proved successful as an author, completing his second book in a series, Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny. Harper provides the frequently regarded “lost generation” with words of encouragement and guidance. In his first of the series, Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest your Destiny, Harper shares the humbling life lessons he learned on the road to his Ivy League education and beyond. Revolutionary in how he deals with adolescent issues that no other writer has dared to penetrate, Harper won both NAACP Image Awards that he was nominated for in March 2007, Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author, and Outstanding Literary Work for Youth/Teens.

Juan Williams, 2010

On January 18, 2010 the MLK Day Memorial Luncheon keynote speaker was Juan Williams, who coauthored the book, Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965. He regularly appears on CNN Crossfire, Fox New Channel, and National Public Radio (NPR). Williams was also a scriptwriter for Oprah Winfrey’s prime time special – No One Dies Alone. In addition, Williams has received an Emmy Award for television documentary writing, and has won widespread critical acclaim for a series of documentaries, including Politics – The New Black Power, A. Phillip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom, Marion Anderson, Dateline Freedom- Civil Rights and The Press, Riot to Recovery and Dying for Healthcare. Williams also writes for leading newspapers including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and that he has been published in magazines including The Atlantic Monthly and Time.

Olympian Dr. John Carlos, 2009

In 2008, the MLK Day Memorial Luncheon keynote speaker was Olympian Dr. John Carlos. Dr. Carlos was the 200 meter dash bronze medalist in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Carlos has been recognized for his efforts against racism and economic depression particularly during the 1968 Olympics, and he shared these things along with memories from his personal interactions with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He spoke from the perspective of, "Living the Dream."

Coach Herman Boone, 2008

In 2008, the MLK Day Memorial Luncheon was held on January 21st, and the keynote speaker was
Coach Herman Boone. Coach Boone's inspirational story was captured in the Disney film "Remember the Titans" starring Denzel Washington. He has also had personal experiences with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his accomplishments include helping a Virginian community set aside racial intolerance .

Coach Boone is a native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina and he received his bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina College in Durham. He decided to become a teacher and coach so that he might motivate students. Collectively, Boone's football teams amassed an astonishing record of 99 wins and eight losses during his tenure.

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