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In 1977, President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, the government’s highest civil award. The late Coretta Scott King received the award for her fallen husband. |
“So we must see that peace represents a sweeter music, a cosmic melody that is far superior to the discords of war. Somehow we must transform the dynamics of the world power struggle from the nuclear arms race, which no one can win, to a creative contest to harness man’s genius for the purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all the nations of the world. In short, we must shift the arms race into a ‘peace race.’ If we have the will and determination to mount such a peace offensive, we will unlock hitherto tightly sealed doors of hope and bring new light into the dark chambers of pessimism.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Plan to attend
The 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration, sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will be Monday, Jan. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. in The Truhlsen Campus Events Center, first floor of the Sorrell Center. The event is free, open to the public and includes free lunch for the first 300 people.
Speaking at the event will be Omaha World-Herald columnist and community volunteer, Janice Gilmore.
Gilmore was born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from North High School, received a bachelor of science degree in education and a master of science degree in education administration, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Gilmore had a 31-year career in the Omaha Public School system as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. She writes a column for the Omaha World-Herald as well as Revive!, an African American lifestyle and community empowerment magazine. In addition, she wrote an inspirational children’s book about Omaha and a book about grief for PULSE, a group assisting families of homicide victims.
A role model for women of all ages, Gilmore is a member of Concerned and Caring Educators, NSEAR, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Urban League, and the NAACP. She also is a board member for Project Hope, African American Empowerment, Inc., and the Community Advisory Board of Bright Futures Foundation.
Gilmore has received several awards and recognitions including The College of Education University of Nebraska at Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award, YWCA Tribute to Women, Viking of Distinction, and Omaha Schools Foundation Award.
For more information, contact Jo Giles at 559-4696 or send an e-mail to jgiles@unmc.edu.