Past Celebrations

  • Roxane Gay

    Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay gave the keynote address during the 2020 Community MLK Celebration for the theme "Taking a Stand." 

  • April Ryan wearing purple blouse, holding microphone and gesturing with right hand.

    April Ryan

    April Ryan delivered the 2019 keynote address under the theme of "Women in the Movement."

  • Joy Reid smiles at the podium and looks out at the audience.

    Joy Reid

    MSNBC Correspondent Joy Reid delivered 2018's keynote address "We Are the Change We Seek." (Photo by Kristen Finn)

  • Anita Hill stands next to podium smiling and holding a microphone, gesturing with her left hand.

    Anita Hill

    On January 26, 2017, Anita Hill gave the Community MLK Celebration keynote address "Reimagining Equality: Inclusive Communities in Post-Obama America."

  • Rita Dove

    The University of Virginia recognized Commonwealth Professor of English and former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove in 2013 at the Paramount Theater.

  • Donna Brazile speaking in 2011.

    Donna Brazile

    Democratic political strategist, university professor, author, and columnist Donna Brazile gave the 2011 keynote address.

Past Keynote Speakers:

 

2011 - Donna Brazile

2012 - Harry Belafonte and Julian Bond

2013 - Robert M. Franklin

2014 - Michael Eric Dyson

2015 - Ta-Nehisi Coates

2017 - Anita Hill

2018 - Joy Reid

2019 - April Ryan

2020 - Roxane Gay

2021 - Supporting Relief Efforts in Our Local Community