From the UNT System Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UNT World Faculty and Staff:
On Monday, Jan. 17, we all have the opportunity to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This holiday is an occasion to reflect upon Dr. King’s words, their meanings and how they remain relevant in 2022.
Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice and economic opportunity through service to others. This designated day of service, reflection and education calls on each of us to rededicate ourselves to creating a just and equitable society for all.
As the inaugural UNT System Chief Diversity Officer, I am committed to enhancing our inclusive culture through our words and our actions. What inspires me most about Dr. King’s life is the courageous leadership that he embodied. He spoke truth to power and led with conviction and confidence. To keep Dr. King’s dream alive, we must be intentional and bold in moving from awareness to action; we must continue to educate ourselves and others; and we must strive to reach the mountaintop.
Now is the time for UNT World to flip orthodoxies, inspire change and challenge ourselves to be at the forefront of diversity, equity, inclusion and access. I invite you to accompany me on this journey by joining one of the many MLK Jr. Day events being held around North Texas throughout this extended weekend (see a list of events below).
Thank you for continuing your commitment to serve our students, our community and each other.
We ARE North Texas.
In service,
Dannetta E. Bland, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1962
MLK Jr. UNT World Events
- UNT 4th Annual MLK, Jr. Day of Service and Supply Drive – Jan. 17 (Denton and virtual)
- UNT Dallas / North Texas Mobile Food Bank – Jan. 21 (Dallas)
MLK Jr. Community Events
- City of Dallas Equity Indicators Symposium – Jan. 14 (Dallas)
- MLK Civil Rights Pioneers and Activists Celebration – Jan. 14 (Fort Worth)\
- MLK Jr. Day of Service Community Health Fair – Jan. 15 (Fort Worth)
- National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum MLK Jr. Day of Service Family Fun Day and Clothes Drive – Jan. 15 (Fort Worth)
- 39th Annual MLK Concert featuring Kim Burrell – Jan. 16 (Dallas)
- MLK Day Virtual Parade – Jan. 17 (virtual)
- MLK Jr. Day Kids Exhibit and Day of Service – Jan. 17 (Frisco)
- National Civil Rights Museum Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Celebration – Jan. 17 (virtual)
- 29th Annual MLK Jr. Day of North Texas Celebration – Jan. 17 (Flower Mound)
NOTE: The above is a select list and does not attempt to incorporate all events in North Texas. Also, due to the rapid changes in COVID-19, the above events may be postponed, cancelled or modified.