Virtual MLK Unity Day Celebration to Honor Civil Rights Leader

Virtual MLK Unity Day Celebration to Honor Civil Rights Leader

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20, The University of Toledo and the city of Toledo will honor the civil rights leader with a virtual celebration beginning at 10 a.m. The theme for 24th annual Unity Day Celebration is "Building Bridges and Breaking Bread."

This year, in lieu of a Keynote Speaker, there was a public call for speech submissions. There will be six local speakers in three age groups - adult, UToledo student and youth - four from The University of Toledo:

• Bryson Foster, a College Credit Plus and high school student (youth speaker);

• Kylah Griffin, a junior studying pre-social work and legal and paralegal studies;

• Skylar Howard, a graduate student in school psychology (adult speaker); and

• Dr. Monita Mungo, an associate professor of sociology (adult speaker)

University of Toledo Interim President Matt Schroeder and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz also will be among the speakers at the virtual event, with performances by the Friendship Baptist Church Choir, drumming by JP Dynasty and a piece by Tahyah's Dance Studio.

To watch the Unity Day Celebration, visit the UToledo MLK Unity Day website.

A proud partnership between the city of Toledo and The University of Toledo, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Celebration envisions a community united in the enduring principles of nonviolence, justice, love, faith, courage, service, forgiveness and hope. Rooted in the legacy of Dr. King, this event aspires to inspire individuals of all backgrounds to embrace these values, foster meaningful connections, and ignite collective action toward equity and peace. Together, we honor the past, transform the present, and build a future grounded in the spirit of unity and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.