Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture
Established in 2014, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture aims to educate and inspire attendees by highlighting critical issues related to health equity and social justice. This lecture series honors the legacy of Dr. King by fostering discussions on the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities and exploring actionable solutions to promote equitable healthcare for all.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Equity Lecture
Each year, distinguished leaders in health and medicine come together to educate and inspire audiences by sharing their expertise, insights, and experiences.
2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture
DE Why and the Why Knot:
Using the Present DEI Tangle to Reimagine and Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare
Carla Carten, PhD, MSOD
Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
̽̽ Health Network
Wednesday, January 22 | 5:30–7pm
Med Ed Center 200, Sullivan Classroom
In 2020, the United States faced the dual impact of COVID-19 and heightened awareness of health disparities and systemic racism. This convergence sparked a renewed commitment to dismantle structural barriers perpetuating racism and health inequities. Progress in these areas expanded to address other forms of discrimination, including sexism, ageism ableism and bias related to gender and religion, prompting many organizations, including those in healthcare, to reevaluate their policies and practices to ensure equitable access to essential services.
Despite perceptions that the tapestry of efforts intended to celebrate our differences and unite us seems to be unraveling, and potentially hindering progress in addressing significant health disparities within our country this is not accurate. Current challenges offer an opportunity to intensify efforts to ensure health access and equity for all.
Dr. Carten’s lecture reviews the evolution of diversity in healthcare, assesses the current state, and outlines future directions to advance these principles for the well-being of all.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture Series
2024
Our American Dilemma: Placing an Equity Lens on the Struggle for Diversity & Inclusion
The 2024 MLK Health Equity Lecture "Our American Dilemma: Placing an Equity Lens on the Struggle for Diversity and Inclusion" was presented by Dr. Will Ross, MD, MPH.
2023
Why We Can't Wait: A Conversation About How Diversity in Medicine Will Save Lives and How To Get There
Dr. Quinn Capers gives the MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Why We Can’t Wait: A Conversation About How Diversity in Medicine Will Save Lives and How To Get There" - January 18, 2023, at ̽̽ Larner College of Medicine.
2022
Impact of Racism and Trauma on Black Mental Health
Dr. Christine Crawford gives the MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Impact of Racism and Trauma on Black Mental Health" - January 19, 2022 at ̽̽ Larner College of Medicine.
2020
Racial Segregation and Obesity: An Unhealthy Connection
Dr. Mercedes Carnethon gives the MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Racial Segregation & Obesity: An Unhealthy Connection - January 22, 2020 at ̽̽ College of Medicine.
2019
Risk, Race and Resilience: Three Dimensions of Health Disparities
Dr. Herman Taylor gives the MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Risk, Race and Resilience: Three Dimensions of Health Disparities - January 23, 2019 at ̽̽ Larner College of Medicine.
2018
What Does Race Have to Do With Medicine?
Professor Dorothy Roberts gives the 5th Annual MLK Health Equity Lecture, "What Does Race Have to Do With Medicine?" January 17, 2018 at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine.
2017
We Are All Flint: The Flint Water Crisis
Dr. Mona-Hanna-Attisha give the 2017 MLK Health Equity Lecture "We are All Flint: The Flint Water Crisis and Public Health Advocacy" at ̽̽ Larner College of Medicine.
2016
Achieving Health Equity: Tools for a National Campaign Against Racism
Dr. Camara Jones gives the MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Achieving Health Equity: Tools for a National Campaign Against Racism" - January 20, 2016 at ̽̽ College of Medicine.
2015
Geography, HIV/AIDS and the War on Drugs in Black Chicago
Dr. Rashad Shabazz, Ph.D. gives the second annual MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Geography, HIV/AIDS and the War on Drugs in Black Chicago" - January 21, 2015 at ̽̽ College of Medicine.
2014
Social Justice, Human Rights and the Social Determinants of Health
Dr. Adewale Troutman gives the inaugural MLK Health Equity Lecture, "Social Justice, Human Rights and the Social Determinants of Health" - January 22, 2014 at ̽̽ College of Medicine.