Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium

The University of Michigan is hosting its 2024 symposium honoring civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with “Transforming the Jangling Discords of Our Nation into a Beautiful Symphony” as this year’s theme.

As one of the nation’s largest celebrations of King’s life and legacy sponsored by higher education, the annual symposium’s theme calls on the community to grapple with the nature of ongoing discord around the globe and to examine the role of individuals and members of society to create a world where harmony is possible.

Michelle Alexander, legal scholar, social justice advocate, columnist at The New York Times and visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary, delivers the memorial keynote lecture. Author of the acclaimed bestseller “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” Alexander draws back the curtain on systemic racism in the prison system and offers insights on how to end the racial caste in America.

During her keynote, she will explore the myths surrounding the criminal justice system from a racial and ethical standpoint and offer solutions for combating this epidemic. This year’s theme also focuses on an essential element of the ministry and social justice advocacy of King, and his belief in the transformative power of faith, hope and love to mend the rifts in society.

The keynote is co-sponsored by the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives under the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.