The Honorable Michael Douglas, Nevada's first African-American Supreme Court Justice, will deliver the keynote address at UNLV's Inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Friday, January 21, 2005. The event, which will also feature musical performances and readings, will take place at UNLV's Moyer Student Union Ballroom at 12:15 PM. This special celebration is free and open to the public. While the university has been an active participant in local Martin Luther King events in past years, this is the first time UNLV has sponsored a campus event. As an institution of higher learning, UNLV is home to a rich diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and is committed to maintaining a campus environment which values that diversity.

"We are delighted to present this community event celebrating the legacy of Dr. King," said university President Carol C. Harter. "By highlighting Dr. King's work on behalf of civil rights and exploring current challenges, we hope to promote an inclusive, welcoming and affirming community - and a greater understanding and appreciation for all who are a part of it."

Keynote speaker Justice Michael Douglas' 2004 appointment to the Nevada Supreme Court was the culmination of a distinguished 22-year legal career in the state. He has served with the Clark County District Attorney's Office, and on the Eighth Judicial District Court bench, where he was elected Chief District Judge in October 2003. In November 2004 Justice Douglas was elected to a full term on the Supreme Court.

A graduate of California State College, Long Beach and the University of California Hastings College of Law, Justice Douglas has been a member of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada and Vice President of the Nevada District Judges Association. He is president-elect of the Nevada American Inns of Court, an organization of judges, lawyers and law students to promote excellence and civility in the legal profession.

The inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at UNLV is sponsored by the offices of the Vice President for Administration, Student Multicultural Programs, the Committee for an Inclusive and Just University, and Human Resources and Diversity Initiatives.