Smiles, singing, and spirits soared at the 2025 Dr. Marting Luther King Living Legacy Convocation last Friday at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The event featured performances from UConn’s gospel choir, Voices of Freedom, and special guest Grammy-nominated Gospel artist, Todd Dulaney.

MLK Legacy Awardees also received recognition during the event. The Living Legacy Convocation was organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The convocation has grown since last year, with a full awardee selection committee, more submitted nominations, and a ceremony in a bigger space with a pre-event reception.

Jonelle Reynolds, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, served as co-chair of the awardee selection committee and emcee for the evening.

Reynolds says she hoped the event would give attendees a chance to breathe and to take a break from stressful news around the world.

“Anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, hopelessness – those are negative feelings that have been impacting some of our communities,” she says. “This is really an opportunity for people to put all of that aside and just be present in the room with each other.”

Guest poet Nadia Sims performed a new piece, “Reclaiming My Slice,” that was inspired by her wanting to live and prosper freely as a Black woman and as an American, she says.

“I want to get to a place where being American is enough to secure and pursue happiness and liberty and life,” Sims says. “Martin Luther King had a dream and that is my dream – to just do what I need to do as a citizen and have that be enough.”

After recipients received their awards, Voices of Freedom took the stage and brought energy to the audience. Directed by Lisa Clayton, attendees united with the voices on stage as a giant choir with all voices tuned in the right key.

“I am excited that Voices of Freedom was asked to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our amazing students shared their melodious voices to help create an incredible night,” Clayton says.

The highlight of the evening was Todd Dulaney’s performance. He performed many of his gospel hits and had everyone in the Jorgensen Center on their feet dancing and singing along. Members of Voices of Freedom even had the opportunity to display their vocal talent when several members had solo moments during Dulaney’s set.

“I’m so glad I came,” one smiling audience member said. “It really was great way to end the week and it way good way to kick off Black History Month.”

Award winners included a mix of students, staff & faculty, alumni, and community members:
Undergraduate Student: Andy Zhang
Graduate Student: Adanma Akoma
Faculty: Kate Capshaw
Staff: Alexis Monteiro
Team: CAHNR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Strategic Vision Implementation Committee
Alum: N. Chineye (Chi) Anako
Community Member: Nelson Merchan

Based on the crowd’s response, the celebration will continue to grow and be a highlight for many.

“I want it to be not just something that people are excited about in the UConn community but the entire Connecticut community,” Reynolds says.” “My hope is that five years from now it’s even bigger and the Jorgensen Center will be packed.”