UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presents: Community MLK Celebration Keynote Event

Michele Norris will deliver the 2025 Community MLK Celebration keynote address on January 30, 2025. An on-stage discussion with Melody Barnes, executive director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, will follow.

This event is free and open to the public.

Presented by the UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with the UVA School of Data Science and the UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy. Learn more and register here.

Michele Norris, MSNBC Senior Contributing Editor, former Washington Post columnist, former NPR All Things Considered host, Peabody Award-winner

An award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most recognized voices in radio, Michele Norris engages audiences in candid discussion about current events, social issues, and bridging the divide in America. 

From the radio airwaves of NPR to The Washington Post to her current role as MSNBC Senior Contributor, Norris is one of the most trusted voices in American journalism. 

For a decade, as host of National Public Radio’s longest-running program, All Things Considered, she captivated audiences nationwide while earning some of journalism’s highest honors. As a Washington Post Opinions Columnist, Norris sparked important dialogue on current events, social issues and the power to make change. At MSNBC she brings her compelling insights to cover current events as a Senior Contributing Editor. 

Norris is also host of “Your Mama’s Kitchen,” an acclaimed podcast produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s media company. With an incredible range of guests, including actors, authors, chefs, and musicians, she explores family histories, memories, and cultures through rich conversations flowing from the simple prompt: “Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.” 

On stage, Norris inspires open and honest dialogue, with memorable stories and fascinating perspectives drawn from her personal journey, investigative research, and interviews with world leaders, Nobel Laureates and influential newsmakers. She makes complex and taboo issues remarkably accessible. Audiences walk away empowered to stimulate discussion around challenging topics within their communities.