Legendary activist Julian Bond, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and former Chairman of the NAACP, will serve as the keynote speaker of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration, Education & Learning Week. His lecture is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23 at Ira Allen Chapel at 4 p.m. as part of a Special Tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Tickets are now available free of charge to UVM students, faculty, and staff (one ticket with UVM ID), and to the general public (one per person) on Jan. 17. They are limited and can be picked up during business hours at the Dudley H. Davis Center (3rd floor Information Desk) and at the Registrar’s Office Student Service Center Kiosk (3rd floor) in Waterman.

"I am so excited to have Julian Bond coming to campus," said Dr. Wanda Heading Grant, event organizer and vice president for Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. "He's the ultimate symbol of what we say we want at UVM. How wonderful that he will be here as part of our tribute to Nelson Mandela. It's going to be an amazing experience for everyone involved."

The Bond event, sponsored by President Tom Sullivan, the Department of Student Life, and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, highlights a series of events honoring Dr. King, starting Jan. 15 with an MLK Birthday Party at the Dudley H. Davis Center Atrium. A new addition to this year’s lineup is UVM Gives a Dollar -- a community service fundraiser in support the three local non-profits (see below for complete event schedule).

Bond brings a lifetime of activism and civil rights leadership to his keynote address including the founding the renowned Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while an undergraduate at Morehouse College. Following graduation, he helped found the Southern Poverty Law Center and served as the organization’s president from 1971 to 1979.

Bond was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1965 but was prevented from being seated by white members of the House because of his opposition to the Vietnam War. The United States Supreme Court ruled that the House had denied Bond his freedom of speech and was ordered to seat him one year later. He would serve in the Georgia House from 1965 to 1975, followed by six terms in the Georgia Senate from 1975-86.

Bond, who has received 25 honorary degrees, is currently Distinguished Visiting Professor at American University and a professor in the history department at the University of Virginia. He served as board chairman of the NAACP for 11 years starting in 1998 and remains chairman emeritus. He is also president emeritus of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Bond hosted “America’s Black Forum” for 17 years; served as a commentator for Byline and the Today Show; authored the nationally syndicated newspaper column Viewpoint; published a collection of his essays, “A Time To Speak, A Time To Act;” and has appeared in The Nation, Life, The New York Times and other national publications.

Schedule of events

MLK Birthday Party

Wednesday, January 15, 11 a.m., at the Dudley H. Davis Center Atrium

UVM Gives a Dollar

Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Friday, Jan. 24.

Every dollar raised for this fundraiser will be invested in the work of Women Helping Battered Women, the Ronald McDonald House and the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf. The goal is for everyone in the UVM community to participate by giving a dollar. Donations can be made at Henderson’s Cafe, CAT Pause, Given Courtyard South, Human Resource Services or the Waterman Student Service Center (Registrar’s Desk).

Film Series and Discussions

Varying times and locations.

•  “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” – Thursday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m., Fireplace Lounge, Living/Learning Center.
• “Julian Bond: Reflections from the Frontline of the Civil Rights Movement” – Tuesday, January 21 at noon at the Livak Ballroom, Dudley H. Davis Center
• “The Waiting Room”  – Tuesday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Sullivan Classroom, Medical Education Center, 200

College of Medicine Presentation

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m., Sullivan Classroom, 200 Medical Education Center.

“Creating Health Equity: Social Justice, Human Rights, and the Social Determinants of Health” featuring speaker Adewale Troutman, M.D., MPH.

Keynote Speaker Julian Bond

Thursday, Jan. 23, 4 p.m., Ira Allen Chapel.

Tickets are available free of charge starting on Jan. 13 to UVM students, faculty and staff (one ticket with UVM ID) and to the general public (one per person) on Jan. 17 at the Dudley H. Davis Center (3rd floor Information Desk) and at the Registrar’s Office Student Service Center Kiosk (3rd floor) in Waterman.

UVM President’s Initiative for Diversity

Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m., Flynn Center for Performing Arts.

A performance by singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello. Tickets are $10 in person at the FlynnTix Regional Box Office lobby window at 153 Main Street in Burlington (UVM ID required). Limited to one discounted ticket per UVM student and two discounted tickets per faculty/staff member. Visit www.flynncenter.org for more information.