MLK 2023 Celebration

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM
ART GALLERY! NEW THIS YEAR! Peruse the first-ever MLK Art Gallery featuring works from local artists Jaleel CampbellVanessa Johnson, and Jessica McGhee. The gallery will be held in the Club 44 VIP Lounge on the upper level of the JMA Wireless Dome.

5 PM – 6:30 PM
DINNER IS SERVED! The traditional MLK event dinner includes pulled BBQ pork, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and more! Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Halal/Kosher, gluten-free, and vegetarian options will be available. Dinner will be held near the JMA Dome’s west end zone, entry at Gate A.

7 PM – 8:30 PM
LET THE SHOW BEGIN!
The main program includes:

  • 5:00 – 6:30 Traditional Dinner in the Dome

  • 6:30 – 7:00 Transition to Event Seating

  • 7:00 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

    Performance | Eesa Grayson 

    Performance | Community Choir | “Oh Happy Day”

    Welcome and Introduction 

          Iris St. Meran, emcee

    Co-Chair Welcome and Invocation

          Malique Lewis, student co-chair

          Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel

    Performance | Community Choir | “Glory”

    Greeting and Welcome

          Chancellor Kent Syverud

    Performance | Royalty Step Team | “Perseverance”

    2021 & 2022 Unsung Hero Recognition

          Marissa Willingham

    Performance | Briana Gilyard

    2023 Unsung Hero Presentation

          Chancellor Kent Syverud, Malique Lewis, Marissa Willingham

    Performance | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

    Keynote Speaker

          Rev. Phil Turner, Bethany Baptist Church

    Performance | Community Choir featuring Pastor Phil Turner | 

          “Lift every Voice and Sing”

    Closing Remarks

          Iris St. Meran

    Performance | Community Choir | “Every Praise”

    The program will be held at the east side of the dome.

  • For program-only attendees, doors open at 6 PM.

Ticket purchase options are as follows:

  • Syracuse University staff, faculty, and the general public (dinner and program): $30
  • Students (dinner and program): $15
  • Main program only: FREE