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MLK Celebration 2024-2025
Living the Dream: Bringing Unity to the Community
The University of Central Missouri's MLK Celebration is an opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the work and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while recommitting to the goal of showing respect and dignity toward one another.
The MLK Celebration is only possible through the generous donations and sponsorships of the community. Funds raised at our Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser in November go directly to deserving students, who will be recognized at the Freedom Scholarship Celebration on January 21, 2025.
Call for Artists
The MLK Committee seeks a wide variety of artists and art forms to help us celebrate Dr. King and the year's theme.
Watch this space for more information!
Freedom Scholarships
Each year, the UCM Alumni Foundation awards Freedom Scholarships to high school students who are accepted to UCM and/or are returning UCM students. These students are recognized at the annual MLK Freedom Scholarship Banquet in January.
Click here to go to the UCM Scholarship Finder page, the online one-stop portal for all UCM Alumni Foundation scholarships, and search for "Freedom Scholarship."
There is always a need for contributions to keep the MLK Freedom Scholarships going! Donate here.
Community Service Awards
These awards, co-sponsored by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, honor those in our community who exemplify humanitarianism, leadership, and selfless service.
The Community Service Award is open to any individual in Johnson County, and the High School Community Service Award is open to any student enrolled in high school in Johnson County.
Nomination forms for the 2025 Awards will open in the Fall of 2024.
The MLK50 Pledge: a Call to Peace and Action
April of 2018 marked 50 years since Dr. King's assassination. Click here to take the MLK50 Pledge, and commit to 50 achievable actions that realize Dr. King's legacy of peace.
2024/2025 Calendar of Events
All events are open to the public and most are free to attend - everyone is welcome!
Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser
Saturday, November 16, 2024 / 6:00 pm
Elliott Student Union Ballrooms
500 S. Holden St, Warrensburg, MO
Hosted by the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity at the University of Central Missouri, the MLK Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser will feature student performances and a silent auction to raise funds for the Martin Luther King Freedom Scholarship, which assists students who are often from underprivileged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education. Scholarship funds raised through this event will be presented to students at the Freedom Scholarship Banquet in January, 20
Chamber Community Service Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 / 12:00 PM
Northside Christian Church
500 N Ridgeview Drive
Warrensburg, MO
Hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, this annual luncheon honors the recipients of the Community Service and High School Community Service awards.
From the 2024 Luncheon: Sharon Franklin, a long-time volunteer for the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, received the MLK Community Service Award. Claire Thomas, an exemplary Warrensburg High School student, received the MLK High School Community Service Award. The awards were presented by Joshua Detherage, Chair of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Dr. Lover Chancler, Director of the UCM Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity.
Community Praise and Worship Service
Date and Time TBA
Come together for this service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose faith was the foundation of his activism. Enjoy performances from choirs and other groups from throughout the community!
MLK Celebration - Lee's Summit Campus
Friday, January 24, 2025 / Time-TBA
Missouri Innovation Campus
1101 NW Innovation Prkwy.
Lee's Summit, MO
Join others in the Lee's Summit community for a celebration that will include faculty and student awards and the presentation of the MLK Art Contest award to a Lee's Summit R-VII student.
Contact Rick Smetana at smetana@ucmo.edu for more information.
Let's Talk
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 / 1:00 PM
Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity
Elliott Student Union, 3rd Floor North
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Hosted by the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity
Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 / 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Elliott Student Union Atrium
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Visit with a wide variety of our community partners looking for YOU to help fulfill their mission!
Contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu with questions.
Day of Service - Warrensburg Campus
Thursday, January 23, 2025 / 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Elliott Student Union Ballrooms
Warrensburg, MO
Registration Form - Registration closes on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:59 PM
For more information or questions, please contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu.
Day of Service - Lee's Summit Campus
Friday, January 24, 2025 / 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Missouri Innovation Campus
1101 NW Innovation Prkwy.
Lee's Summit, MO
Community Service Blood Drive
Monday, January 27 & Tuesday, January 28, 2025 / 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Elliott Student Union Ballrooms
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Give the gift of life! Appointments preferred; walk-ins accepted as time and available staff allow. When information is finalized, registration will be available online.
Contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu with questions.
Contact
Dr. Lover Chancler
Union 314
Tel: (660) 543-8049
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Scholarship Banquet Celebration
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 / 6:00 PM
Sandra Temple Elliott Ballrooms
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Join us to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of bold action in pursuit of justice, inclusion, and the beloved community!
Enjoy vocal and dance performances from UCM and community members, view works of art by local students inspired by Dr. King’s message, and see the presentation of the 2025 MLK Freedom Scholarships.
Celebration Information
Purchase Tickets
For more information about UCM's MLK Celebration, please contact Dr. Lover Chancler at 660-543-8049 or chancler@ucmo.edu.