Join Us for the 35th Annual MLK Lecture at Michigan Medicine: Celebrating Health Science and Community Impact

On Monday afternoon, the Michigan Medicine and Michigan Health Sciences committee held their 35th annual Health Science MLK Lecture. This event coincided with the University of Michigan’s 39th Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium. Keynote speaker David R. Williams, a professor at Harvard University, started the program. Williams has deep ties to the University of Michigan, where he earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in sociology.

Nathan Hanke, who manages strategy and workforce belonging at Michigan Medicine, kicked off the event by sharing the lecture’s history. He mentioned, “The Health Science MLK lecture was established in 1990, originally as the Dean’s Event. This initiative aimed to connect the different health sciences schools at the University.”

During his lecture, Williams discussed the alarming racial disparities in life expectancy in the U.S. He pointed out that around 74,000 Black Americans die each year due to these inequities. “That’s 203 lives lost every day,” Williams emphasized. To illustrate the severity, he compared it to a plane crash where everyone on board perishes — an event that would demand urgent attention and action from Congress.

Williams also underscored the crucial role of community in public health. He expressed gratitude for those who have supported him throughout his academic journey. “It takes a village,” he said, highlighting the collective effort needed to make a real difference. He paid tribute to three African American scholars from Michigan who significantly impacted his career, reinforcing the idea of community support.

Following the lecture, a panel discussion delved into interdisciplinary strategies for achieving health equity. Moderated by Dr. David J. Brown, the panel included Williams, Alfreda Rooks, Celeste M. Watkins-Hayes, F. DuBois Bowman, and Olayinka Shiyanbola. Brown prompted discussions about the significance of community engagement in public health. Bowman noted that “Dr. King was about the collective,” aligning public health efforts with King’s vision.

Discussion also touched on the importance of incorporating community feedback in health initiatives. Shiyanbola emphasized recognizing communities as vital resources. “It’s about empowering them to drive transformation,” she asserted.

The panel also addressed the issue of “drive-by research,” where researchers briefly study a community without forming lasting relationships. Bowman pointed out the importance of sustained engagement, referencing the Detroit Urban Research Center’s commitment to long-term community improvement. “It’s about being present, not just leaving after a project ends,” he said.

Attendee Bukky Tikare shared her insights after the panel. Her research focuses on health equity for cancer patients. Tikare appreciated the emphasis on relationship-building with communities beyond simply gathering data. She stressed the need for ongoing collaboration to make a real impact.

Furthermore, Tikare reflected on the significance of events like the Health Science MLK Lecture for promoting racial justice in the sciences. “We need reminders to stay committed to our work, even when it gets tough,” she said, noting that these gatherings provide motivation and inspiration to continue the quest for equity.

Daily Staff Reporter Aanya Panyadahundi can be reached at aanyatp@umich.edu.