As the community comes together to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the University of Minnesota’s 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert promises to be an inspiring celebration of his life and work. Titled Light Transforming Darkness, this year’s tribute will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Ted Mann Concert Hall.
The concert, which is free to attend and open to the public, will also be live-streamed, offering a virtual opportunity for those unable to attend in person. This program, sponsored by the University’s Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music, will feature a powerful blend of music, dance, and spoken word, all centered around the theme of King’s enduring legacy.
Curated and Hosted by G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Curated and hosted by University of Minnesota alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, the event will seamlessly weave together the words of Dr. King with reflective and musical performances from talented artists and groups within the greater Twin Cities community. Notable performers include the Kamoinge Strings of Walker West Music Academy, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, and Jornae Dance Collective, led by U of M alum Suzette Jornae Gilreath. The event will also highlight Youth Speakers mentored by Joe Davis Poetry, among others, providing a platform for young voices to honor King’s call for justice and equality.
A Tribute to Legacy
The tribute concert has been a significant part of Minnesota’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances since it first began in the early 1980s. Founded by the late Reginald Buckner, a professor at the University’s School of Music, this annual concert became the first of its kind in Minnesota, combining the performing arts with the powerful messages of King’s speeches. Following Buckner’s passing in 1989, the concert continues to serve as a living tribute to his vision, with the University of Minnesota’s Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music carrying on the tradition.
As one of the University’s signature events, the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute remains free of charge, ensuring that King’s message of unity, equality, and peace is accessible to all members of the community. Over the years, the concert has evolved into an essential cultural gathering that not only remembers King’s work but also continues to inspire action and reflection on the issues that King fought for during his lifetime.
A Moving Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year’s concert is set to be a moving tribute to Rev. Dr. King’s lasting impact, and a powerful reminder of the work still left to do in the pursuit of justice for all.
For more information, including the live-stream link and a full schedule of performers, visit the event page on the University of Minnesota’s website.
To learn more about other MLK Day events in Minnesota, visit our MLK events page.