Join us as we celebrate 2025 MLK Jr. Week at WashU Medicine. We invite all members of our community to participate and reflect on ways to further Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality in our daily lives.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this year’s program features opportunities to engage with impactful discussions, thought-provoking exhibits, and inspiring speakers, all centered around themes of equity, inclusion, and social justice. From the kickoff of our book and film club to the commemoration of the Desegregation History exhibit and updates on our DEI initiatives, there’s something for everyone. Highlighting the week, Dr. Kemi Doll will deliver a keynote as part of the Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series.
MLK Week January 21 – 24, 2025
Monday, January 21 | All Day
Martin Luther King Jr., National Day of Service
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
The Martin Luther King Jr., holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all to volunteer to improve their communities.
Tuesday, January 22 | 12 – 1:15 p.m.
Book/Film Club Kick-Off
Location: Room 205, Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (FLTC)
Join the kickoff of this year’s book/film club, focusing on “Women’s Rights in the United States” through monthly documentary discussions. Participants will view films on campus and engage in facilitated discussions. At the kickoff meeting, we’ll outline the films and set follow-up meeting dates.
Films include: “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” (2014), “9to5: The Story of a Movement” (2020), “RBG” (2018), “The Janes” (2022), and “The Post Roe Baby Boom: Inside Mississippi’s Maternal Health Crisis” (2023).
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Commemoration of the Desegregation History Wall
Location: Great Room, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC)
Commemorate the permanent exhibit that depicts the history of the desegregation of the medical campus. This event will include a 45-minute program featuring Dr. Sarah England, Dean David H. Perlmutter, and leaders from BJC Healthcare, followed by a reception and exhibit viewings.
You can explore this project on the Desegregation History website and read more about the exhibit in this news story.
Commemoration Event Registration »
Thursday, January 23 | 3 – 4 p.m.
WashU Medicine DEI Update
Location: Connor Auditorium, Farrell Learning & Teaching Center (FLTC)
Virtual option: Available via Zoom (registration required)
Dr. Sherree Wilson and other diversity, equity and inclusion leaders will provide updates on DEI efforts on the medical campus, including recent successes and future initiatives. You’ll also learn about opportunities to get involved in ongoing DEI work.
DEI Update Webinar Registration »
Friday, January 24 | 12 – 1:45 p.m.
MLK Week & Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series: Dr. Kemi Doll
Location: Auditorium, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC)
Virtual option: Available via Zoom (registration required)
Dr. Kemi Doll will deliver a keynote exploring Black-White racial inequity in endometrial cancer. She will also share insights from her work as a gynecologic oncologist and an advocate for equity in healthcare. Learn about Dr. Doll’s impactful research and efforts as the founding director of The GRACE Center and co-founder of the Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA).
Speaker Series Webinar Registration »
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all WashU Medicine events. For reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at least one week in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu.