The University of Michigan will once again celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the annual MLK Symposium, with events taking place between January 15 and March 30. The theme of the 2021 symposium is “Where Do We Go From Here?”
MLK Spirit Awards
Each year, as part of the symposium, the U-M North Campus community nominates students, faculty, and staff for the North Campus Deans’ MLK Spirit Awards. Four students and a faculty member at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance received the awards this year, which are given to students, student organizations, staff, and faculty members at the University of Michigan North Campus who exemplify the leadership and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
The awards ceremony will take place virtually on January 18 as part of U-M’s MLK Symposium, which begins on MLK Day. The North Campus units also include Stamps School of Art & Design, the College of Engineering, and the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
SMTD Student MLK Spirit Award Winners include PhD candidate Hyo Jin Moon (sacred music), junior Ruby Perez (theatre & drama), sophomore Brooke Taylor (dance), and specialist Samantha Williams (voice). The faculty winner was Evan Chambers (composition).
Hyo Jin Moon
Ruby Perez
Brooke Taylor
Samantha Williams
Evan Chambers
Digital Performance
SMTD’s Department of Strings has created a special digital performance in tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring the works of Black composers Carlos Simon (DMA ’17, music composition), Jessie Montgomery, George Walker, and William Grant Still.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Between Worlds
Carlos Simon (b. 1986)
Bethlehem Kelley, violin
Duo for Violin and Cello
III. Presto
Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
Malhar Kute, Violin
Gabrielle Hooper, Cello
Bleu for Unaccompanied Violin
George Walker (1922-2018)
Aidan Ip, Violin
Suite for Violin and Piano
II. Mother and Child
William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Matthew Adams, Violin
Naki Kripfgans, Piano