Janice Gilmore to present today’s MLK address

Janice Gilmore, a columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, will deliver today’s commemorative address during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at UNMC.

Omaha World-Herald columnist and community volunteer, Janice Gilmore, will be the featured speaker during today’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in the Sorrell Center’s Truhlsen Events Center.

The 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration, sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will run from noon to 1 p.m. The event is free, open to the public and includes free lunch for the first 300 people.

A well-sought after motivational speaker, she has titled her speech, “Has the dream been realized?”

Gilmore said she is grateful for the opportunity to share her thoughts on this historic celebration.

“While many in our community are excited about the upcoming change in our country’s administration, the timeliness of Dr. King’s birthday is a great opportunity for reflection,” Gilmore said. “I am honored to have a voice in my community.”

Dr. King’s words Leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, UNMC Today ran a five-day series of quotes from the civil rights leader. Click on the links below to read each day’s quote. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

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 Schools 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.