Through empowering and impactful words, keynote speaker Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., M.Sc., encouraged attendees of UT Southwestern’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration to champion meaningful actions that will build a better future for all.

“Plant trees whose shade you will never know – this is medicine at its very best,” said Dr. Yancy, Vice Dean for Health Equity, Magerstadt Professor and Chief of Cardiology, and Professor of Medicine and Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Inspiring images of Dr. King created by Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern students are showcased at the celebration.

Dr. Yancy’s visit marked a homecoming to UT Southwestern, where he previously served as a faculty member (1989-2006) and completed his internal medicine residency and fellowships in cardiology and advanced heart failure transplant. An esteemed cardiologist, Dr. Yancy is known for his expertise in heart failure and health equity. His career has spanned various advisory roles in government service, including leadership positions with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and the National Institutes of Health.

In an engaging presentation, he explored Dr. King’s idea of “beloved community,” a vision of a society rooted in justice, love, compassion, and equality.

“Dr. King encouraged us to uplift humanity; our path to belovedness starts with love – for our patients, for this noble profession, our families, our community, and love within ourselves,” he said.

Medical student Nikhil Gadiraju receives the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Service in recognition of his remarkable commitment to volunteerism.

Dr. Yancy discussed Texas’ potential as one of the world’s largest economies but also acknowledged challenges such as inequities in health care, education, employment, and income in rural areas.

“Health disparities are not an unavoidable facet of society. They are not innate, inevitable, or immutable. In truth, many health disparities are indeed preventable, and with purposeful investments, health and health care disparities can be significantly reduced,” he said.

During his address, he also emphasized the importance of consciously striving toward making an impactful change in the world.

Singer Erika Nicole Johnson performs a beautiful rendition of “Rise Up” by Audra Day.

“The path to a beloved community is simple. It is not about a dream, but a plan. It’s about courage, compassion, conviction, civility, and community,” he said. “Dr. King stated, ‘May we aspire to something greater than the status quo,’ and with his resonant spirit we can build a beloved community not by thinking about being one, but by simply being one.”

Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer, provided opening remarks for the event, emphasizing the importance of intentional efforts to support others.

“Service is at the heart of what we do. Service matters, and the community represents us and those around us. We all have a role to play in creating and promoting community,” Dr. Nesbitt said.

UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., spoke of the institution’s commitment to excellence and honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

“At UT Southwestern, we find strength and common ground in compassion and innovation. I’m proud of our community, including its unwavering dedication to our patients, advancing discoveries that will improve lives, and preparing the next generation of health care professionals,” Dr. Podolsky said. “Dr. King encouraged everyone to focus on moving forward, once saying, ‘We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future,’ and I have faith in the future of UT Southwestern because of those qualities and that dedication, which manifest every day.”

Attendees enjoy a variety of food and refreshments at the program’s conclusion.

Now in its 39th year, the annual celebration included an award ceremony from the Office of Student Empowerment and Engagement honoring recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Service. The scholarships recognize UTSW students for their outstanding commitment to community service and volunteerism.

Hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity, the event also featured a musical performance by singer Erika Nicole Johnson, accompanied by keyboardist Cris Myron Brenham, and an MLK artwork display created by students of Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern. The program concluded with a reception for attendees to enjoy food, refreshments, and socializing.