The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosted a commemoration event honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, January 13, 2023, at The Spain Wallace Auditorium. The occasion embodied this year’s theme, “Together We Can Be THE Dream,” by showing attendees what they can achieve and highlighting what has already been accomplished.
A Warm Welcome
The program began with a welcome from Anupam Agarwal, M.D., Interim Senior Vice President for Medicine and Interim Dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Agarwal spoke to King’s legacy and how it translates to the school, quoting his speech at the 1966 Convention of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Chicago,
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”
Ending his time on stage, Agarwal welcomed the Miles College Golden Voices, directed by Ms. Valerie R. Harris, to the stage.
Miles College Golden Voices
To open their concert, the choir began with a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—which, for those who might not know, is considered the Black National Anthem. It was first performed in 1900 as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson. The song has been used in various settings, including as an anthem for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). When performed, it's common for the audience to stand. The song is a powerful and emotional message, which speaks to the struggles and perseverance of Black Americans. The lyrics express hope for a better future and call for unity.
The choir also performed moving renditions of “Smile” and “Hold On” which prompted a large applause from attendees. Known for their exceptional talent and soulful performances, the group set the tone for the event with their moving harmonies.
A Word from Dr. Mona Fouad
Following the performance, Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, Associate Vice President for UAB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Senior Associate Dean for Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and Director of the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center delivered her remarks on the celebration. After pausing for a moment of silent prayer for those affected by the tornados that hit Selma the evening prior, Fouad emphasized the work to be done to achieve equality and justice for all. Finally, Fouad ended with an introduction to the keynote speaker, Dr. Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UAB.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Paulette Dilworth
Dilworth shared her experiences growing up during the Civil Rights Movement and being one of the six students to integrate the then-all-white A.G. Parrish High School in Selma. She spoke about the importance of continuing to fight for the ideals Dr. King stood for and how we can all come together to achieve “THE Dream.”
The question-and-answer session between the audience and Dilworth was particularly moving, especially as members of the Miles College Golden Voices choir engaged her in discussions about how today’s youth can be actively involved in continuing Dr. King’s work for equality and justice.
As a lifelong activist and someone who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, Dilworth was able to share personal experiences that were powerful and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees. The opportunity to engage Dilworth on a personal level contributed to her lecture serving as a reminder that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing and that everyone has a role to play in achieving Dr. King’s vision of “THE Dream.”
This mixture of entertainment and insight was a fitting tribute to the civil rights leader, who continues to inspire and motivate us at UAB and worldwide to strive for a better future.