In less than a week, the University of Kentucky Martin Luther King (MLK) Center, in collaboration with the UK Office for Institutional Diversity and the Office of Student and Academic Life, will host the fourth annual UK Men of Color Symposium. 

The event will take place in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom on Friday, Feb. 10, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. 

This free, one-day event aims to promote fellowship, academic motivation and self-awareness and the importance of men of color in leadership positions. 

"For years, the Men of Color Symposium has upheld its reputation of serving as a catalyst for bold and forward-thinking conversations,” said Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity Damon Williams. “This year's program prioritizes the holistic health of men of color from K-12 to college. I am excited to see the impact of this symposium on its participants, its presenters and our community.”

The theme for the 2023 UK Men of Color Symposium is “Be Your Own Brand: Build It, Be It, Believe It,” offering breakout sessions that will enable participants in growing their personal brand. 

Breakout sessions will also allow for networking opportunities with renowned leaders from the university and beyond, including:

• 30 under 30 Detroit Entrepreneur and multi-media featured guest, Keyon Clinton, who will give the opening ceremony presentation. Keyon’s global company and brand 1% Better is focused on helping people grow holistically and execute at a high level. As of now, they have impacted people in over 15 countries and 34 states. On a mission to help professionals develop their personal lives, businesses and careers, Keyon created the 1% Better University which develops professionals’ portfolios to increase their revenue and impact within their business. 
• YouTube Content Creator Choice of The Year 2022 winner and current NAACP Image Award Nominee, Conscious Lee will provide a closing keynote. The Bryan, Texas Native has a virtual presence that impacts many internationally. This intellectual debating, hip-hop dancing, thought-provoking, and workshop-facilitating keynote speaker proves that Black intellectuals don’t have to play respectability politics to deliver a message that resonates. 

The symposium is open to students and professionals across Kentucky. While free of charge, seating is limited, and registration is required. Click here to register for the symposium. For more information on the symposium, visit www.uky.edu/mlkc/men-color-symposium.