UNC Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will join hands once again for the annual Joint Commemorative Program to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, in Harrison Auditorium on the campus of N.C. A&T.
Activist, advocacy educator, youth engagement expert, producer, and TED Talk speaker Natalie Warne will deliver this year’s keynote address for the program, with the theme, “Reflect to Envision: 2020.”
“The joint program is the perfect opportunity for both campuses to continue the collaborative legacy of Dr. King. It’s a small gesture, but that’s what it takes – all of us coming together in simple ways, for a great impact,” said Gerald Spates, director of the A&T Multicultural Student Center.
“For the last six years, UNCG has jointly celebrated the legacy of Dr. King with N.C. A&T. I have loved seeing students from both campuses form friendships, share experiences, and learn from one another,” said Augusto Peña, director of UNCG’s Office of Intercultural Engagement. “This year, we’re thrilled to have Natalie Warne join us for this day of remembrance and reflection. Warne’s work as a global activist can teach us a lot about how to engage in change on campus, in our communities, and beyond.”
To date, Warne has spoken to more than 75,000 people worldwide in 500 different engagements and delivered three TEDx talks about her journey from teenager to global activist. She has worked for prestigious universities, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, government organizations, and hundreds of educational institutions ranging from grammar to high school.
While living in Rwanda, she produced documentary pieces on women who survived the Rwandan Genocide. After returning to the United States from Rwanda, Warne began working for TaskForce, an independent agency that served as the creative force to create the 2008 Obama HOPE Campaign.
In addition to the keynote address, the program will also include performances by the A&T jazz ensemble and the award-winning fellowship gospel choir. The winner of the A&T MLK Oratory Contest and UNCG’s MLK Service Award recipient will also be announced.
This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Harrison Auditorium is located at 1009 Bluford St. in Greensboro.
Shuttle transportation to and from A&T’s campus will be provided for UNCG students, faculty, and staff. Shuttles will depart from campus starting at 6:30 p.m. Passengers may board the buses on Stirling Street in front of Walker Parking Deck.
