MLK Leadership Seminar Series: Leadership for Democracy & Justice

Locations 

Presented by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we invite you to the Medical School's MLK Leadership Seminar Series to honor the life, legacy, and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The theme for this year's series is "Leadership for Democracy and Justice," a vital pillar of this year’s campus symposium theme: "Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice." (https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/)

Running for six sessions from the MLK holiday through the end of Black History Month, this series bridges the gap between leadership scholarship and the urgent understandings required to navigate our modern political landscape. 

Participants will gain the essential tools and theoretical foundations needed to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose in today's society. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your influence into a powerful force for democratic progress and social equity—register today to help solve the equation for a more just world.





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Taubman Health Science Library, room 2903
Kevin A. Calhoun, PhD

While "spilling the tea" is often about gossip, this session explores how access to truth and information serves as the lifeblood of a healthy democracy. By uncovering the ways leaders gather and share facts, participants will discover how transparency builds trust and fosters collective action. This discussion highlights why staying informed is more than just a habit—it's a requirement for anyone fighting for democracy and justice. Ultimately, this session empowers you to navigate information as a vital tool for community progress and long-term change.

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Taubman Health Science Library, room 2903
Shakeelah Hicks, MA

Effective leadership isn't just about speaking loudest; it’s about making sure your message actually lands and that every voice is heard. This seminar dives into the different communication styles that drive democratic progress and bridge divides in our modern society. By exploring these vocal and listening dynamics, participants will learn how to adapt their style to foster more inclusive and collaborative environments. This session empowers you to use your voice—and your ears—as a powerful force for unity and social equity.

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Taubman Health Science Library, room 2903
Damien Butler

Leadership often means navigating the heavy emotions and resistance that come with major social or institutional shifts. This session looks at the "5 Stages of Grief" through a leadership lens to help you manage the transitions occurring within our own communities. By understanding the emotional journey of change, participants will gain a more compassionate and effective way to guide others through periods of uncertainty. Ultimately, this discussion helps leaders stay grounded and resilient while pursuing justice in an ever-evolving landscape.

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Taubman Health Science Library, room 2903
Kevin A. Calhoun, PhD

While power is often viewed as a way to control others, this seminar explores how to redefine influence as a force for collective good. Participants will examine the different ways power operates in our society and learn how to shift that authority toward more democratic outcomes. This discussion breaks down the invisible dynamics of influence to show that true leadership is about empowering the people around you. Join us to learn how to harness your own power to drive lasting social change and build a more equitable future.

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Taubman Health Science Library, room 2901
Kevin A. Calhoun, PhD

Every leader eventually faces a "Red Pill or Blue Pill" moment where the choices they make define the future of their community. This seminar explores the decision-making process through a democratic lens, focusing on how to make fair and ethical calls in complex situations. By understanding the factors that influence our choices, participants will gain a clearer vision of how to balance competing needs for the sake of justice. This session empowers you to make bold, informed decisions that move the needle toward a more equitable future for everyone.

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Session Is Over
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Medical Science Building 2, North Lecture Hall
Kevin A. Calhoun, PhD

While leadership is often viewed through many lenses, this seminar deconstructs this complex concept into the core elements identified by scholars. By understanding these fundamental variables, participants will gain a clear, actionable definition of what it truly means to lead in a modern context. This seminar proves that mastering these scholarly pillars is essential for anyone striving to foster a democratic and just society. Ultimately, this session empowers attendees to apply the leadership formula as a tool to champion equity and social change in their own communities.

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MLK Leadership Seminar Series: Leadership for Democracy & Justice
You May Choose As Many Sessions As You Want