Celebrate MLK
Old Dominion University's 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance - a special celebration of Black History Month
This virtual event features an inspirational message from keynote speaker Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, and reflections from ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. on the importance and significance of this celebration to the University community.
Additionally, the event showcases poets from across the Commonwealth, including Virginia's 20th Poet Laureate, Luisa A. Igloria, ODU creative writing MFA candidate Will Wilson, and three young poets: Areen Syed, Jaiden Brown, and Key'Niyah Clemons.
As is tradition, the Hugo Owens Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award was presented by a member of the Owens family. The award is given annually at the MLK observance to an outstanding individual or organization that has made considerable contributions to civil rights, politics, housing, and social programs through leadership, dedication, and persistence over time. The 2022 recipient is Maurice A. Jones, longtime social justice advocate, business leader, and CEO of OneTen.