The Yale School of Medicine will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., with a keynote speech by William H. Gray, president and chief executive officer of the United Negro College Fund.
The annual observance will be held Monday, January 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Harkness Auditorium, 333 Cedar St. A reception will follow in the Harkness Auditorium lobby.
This year’s theme is “Restoring Hope in the New Millennium: America’s Educational Legacy and Promise.” The celebration will include reflections by Reverend Frederick J. Streets, Yale University’s Chaplain, and will feature music by Yale-New Haven Singing Groups.
“We are especially honored to have William H. Gray as our distinguished keynote speaker this year,” said Liza Cariaga-Lo, director of multicultural affairs at Yale School of Medicine.
Gray has served as president and chief executive officer of The College Fund/UNCF since 1991. As head of America’s oldest and most successful black higher education assistance organization, Gray has led the College Fund to new fund-raising records while cutting costs and expanding programs and services.
Prior to his selection of president of UNCF, Gray served in the U.S. Congress and was a staunch supporter of education. As the first African American to chair the House Budget Committee, Gray was a leading advocate for strengthening America’s educational systems.
As chairman of the Democratic Caucus and later as Majority Whip, Gray was the highest-ranking African American ever to serve in Congress. He has been awarded more than 60 honorary degrees from America’s leading colleges and universities, and received a Medal of Honor from Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1995.
Please call 203-785-7545 for additional information.
