In a 1968 sermon in Atlanta titled “The Drum Major Instinct”, Dr. King stated “Yes, if you want to say I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness”. We want to recognize individuals who embody Dr. King’s words and work.

We will uplift members of the WashU Medicine community, from every corner, who (perhaps without fanfare) may be leading community-wide service projects, who may be serving as mentors and/or who embody what it is to be an upstander, by standing up for others in the face of injustices or inequitable treatment. The Drum Major Award Ceremony will recognize individuals at WashU Medicine who embody what it means to be an upstander.

This ceremony will honor our 2026 nominees with refreshments, snacks, photo booths, and more! Food will be provided. All are welcome! We hope you will join us in celebrating Drum Majors across our campus community.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all WashU Medicine sponsored events. If you are a person who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, don’t hesitate to contact the WashU Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu.

Our programs are open to all members of the WashU Medicine community and participation is voluntary. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.