Native Omahan John Ewing, Jr. will deliver the annual keynote address to honor slain civil rights leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus on Monday, Jan. 21.
As one of the city’s best attended events on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the event starts at noon, is free and open to the public. Ewing’s speech, which is sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will be in lower level of the Storz Pavilion in Clarkson Tower.
Elected in 2006, Ewing is responsible for the collection of over $1.7 billion in taxes for the governmental entities in Douglas County. In 2012, Ewing was defeated by Rep. Lee Terry in his bid to become Nebraska’s Second District Congressman.
“We are just delighted to hear from a dedicated public servant, community volunteer and county leader,” said Myrna Newland, M.D., director of UNMC’s Equity Office and coordinator of the Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Committee. “Our campus is looking forward to an inspiring and engaging community event.”
Prior to holding elected office, Ewing served as a member of the Omaha Police Department (OPD) for more than 24 years and rose to the rank of deputy police chief.
A passionate advocate for crime victims, Ewing developed legislation to more effectively address crimes committed against women and children. Ten new state statutes became law as a result of this effort to protect our citizens. Ewing retired from the OPD in 2006.
For nearly two decades, Ewing has dedicated his time as a community volunteer to several churches, as a youth mentor and on boards of organizations such as Girls Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Roncalli Catholic High School and United Way.
Honored with numerous community awards, Ewing received the NAACP Living Legend Award and was inducted into the Omaha Northwest High School Hall of Fame, both in 2010.
Known as a passionate, engaging speaker, Ewing titled his Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech, “Are You Living the Dream?”
Public parking is available on the first level of the parking structure (Lot 5) located on the northeast corner of 42nd Street and Dewey Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to park in stalls 1-108, but if those stalls are full, they can park on any level of the structure.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.