Community revitalization leader Othello Meadows III to speak at MLK event

Othello H. Meadows III will deliver the keynote address on the UNMC campus on Monday, Jan. 16 to honor slain civil rights leader, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Meadows’ speech, which is sponsored by UNMC and the Nebraska Medical Center, starts at noon in the Storz Pavilion on the lower level of Clarkson Tower.

Othello H. Meadows III

“We are excited to hear from a dedicated community visionary, experienced leader and Omaha native,” said Myrna Newland, M.D., director of UNMC’s Equity Office and coordinator of the Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Committee. “Our campus can look forward to a wonderful event.”

A sought after speaker, Meadows titled his Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech, “Beyond a dream: de-sanitizing Dr. King’s legacy.”

Passion for his community

Known for his enthusiasm and vision, Meadows, ran a 2008 large, non-partisan, voter registration drive in north Omaha, which successfully registered 10,000 new voters. His passion for his hometown led him to leave the Atlanta law firm he built to help re-build his neighborhood.

Meadows now is executive director of Seventy-Five North Revitalization Corp. Named for Highway 75, which runs through north Omaha, the company plans a major renovation to include mixed-income housing, a community center and support services such as grocery stores, job training sites and other small businesses.

Violin virtuoso to perform

In addition to Meadows, this year’s event features a musical performance by recording artist Daniel Davis.

Davis is a violinist who studied at Julliard School of Music and who has performed for President Barack Obama and other international dignitaries.