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Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Medical College of Wisconsin Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Annually the Medical College of Wisconsin, along with the support and collaboration of departments across the institution, hosts a celebration to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This celebration encompasses a reflection on his work, the progress we have made, and the continued vital work that exists around healthcare disparities.

Speakers from our leadership team, as well as students share their deeply personal impact stories that resonate with the teachings of Dr. King. The celebration includes in-person and virtual attendees that leave inspired for a national day of service, and continue their pledge toward health equity in our communities and their careers.

Along with a formal program, multiple service opportunities are available to the MCW Community with partnerships that have included United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha, United Way of Marathon County, Next Door Milwaukee, Nourish MKE, and more.


Testimonials

Excellent words of wisdom from our students!!!

Incredible as always.

Thank you for such an inspiring program!

Thank you for inviting people to join virtually, this programming was wonderful!

MCW campuses celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and “Living our Values – Health Equity in Service”

Jan. 21, 2025 MCW News - On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, MCW campuses celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a hybrid event attended by more than 200 members of our community; the main event was held on the Milwaukee campus in the Alumni Center, with a group watching collectively from MCW-Central Wisconsin and others attending virtually. Attendees heard from Dr. John R. Raymond, Sr., president and CEO, Dr. Cheryl Maurana, interim provost, and Dr. Greer Jordan, chief diversity and inclusion officer, who shared their perspectives on the impact of Dr. King on MCW and their vision of a more equitable and inclusive future.

“As healthcare professionals, educators and advocates, we must work together to dismantle barriers and foster an environment in which everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, can attain the highest possible level of health,” said Dr. Raymond. “Today, as we reflect on Dr. King's dream of a society in which individuals are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, let us also envision a healthcare system that transcends socioeconomic and racial boundaries.”

Student speakers from our medical school shared their moving stories of Dr. King's impact and how his teaching resonated with our core values of integrity, respect and caring. They also shared their personal stories of growth and pledged to carry Dr. King’s influence forward in their careers.

A moving presentation by Kwabena Antoine Nixon completed the celebration, featuring a poem dedicated to inspiring us all to answer the question, “When you are gone, what will they say about you?” The presentation was engaging, offering time for reflection on each individual's contributions to change and Dr. King's call to do something different.

Following the event, attendees joined with our partner, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, to pack 200 Personal Care Kits that will be distributed to one of the many United Way partners, Nourish MKE, which provides emergency food relief for those in our community at risk of hunger who are denied or are waiting for government FoodShare services.

Contact Us

Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Health Research Center, Suite H1730
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226


Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-5 p.m.

diversityinclusion@mcw.edu

ODI Program Director
(414) 955-8015

ODI Office Line
(414) 955-8085

Communications
(414) 955-2648
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The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic. MCW’s policy as well as federal and state laws and regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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