Ted Mann Concert Hall
Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 3 pm

This event is free of charge, and tickets are not required. The concert will also be live streamed; the link will be available on this page on the day of the event.

Sponsored by the Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music. Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Reginald Buckner.

The program, hosted and curated by U of M alumnG. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, weaves the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with reflections and musical performances from the greater Twin Cities community. Featured performers include Kamoinge Strings of Walker West Music Academy, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, Jornae Dance Collective led by U of M alum Suzette Jornae Gilreath, Youth Speakers mentored by Joe Davis Poetry, and more. 

Concert Background

When the tribute began at the University of Minnesota in the early 1980s, it was the only event of its kind in Minnesota. The late Reginald Buckner, a professor in the School of Music—and an accomplished performer, composer, and educator—founded the concert at the University and began a tradition of celebrating the life and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. King through the performing arts.

Professor Buckner’s death in 1989 left the University with an inspiring legacy. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute is now a joint program of the University of Minnesota’s Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music. It is one of the University’s signature events and remains free and open to the public.

You can view a summary of the MLK Jr. Tribute performers and guests over the years