• Date: January 16, 2023
  Time: 7:30am - 11:30am
  Location: The Knapp Center
  2601 Forest Avenue
  Des Moines, IA 50311

Dr. Robert D. Bullard, a distinguished professor and award-winning author known as “The Father of Environmental Justice,” will deliver the keynote address at the YMCA’s 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast, presented by Nationwide.

Des Moines’ annual MLK Day celebration – returning live and in-person after being presented as a virtual event the past two years – will be held Monday, January 16, 2023 (the federal holiday honoring the late Dr. King) at the Knapp Center at Drake University. Proceeds from the event will be used to support youth programs at the John R. Grubb Community YMCA.

Dr. Bullard, who earned his Ph.D at Iowa State University, is the former Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University and currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. The topic of his keynote address at the Des Moines event will be “The Quest for Environmental and Climate Justice.”

The MLK Day event also features the presentation of the Make A Difference Awards, recognizing individuals for their work to advance opportunity and build a stronger, more inclusive community. This year's Legacy Award Winner is Dr. Mary Chapman, Vice President Emeritus, Des Moines Area Community College. Since retiring from DMACC as Vice President for Community and Workforce Partnerships in 2013, Dr. Chapman has continued devoting her time and energy as an advocate for economic, social and racial justice as well as promoting opportunities and closing the opportunity gap.

Following the breakfast, the Iowa Environmental Council and partner organizations will host a Dialogue on Environmental Justice in Iowa. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss Dr. Bullard’s talk in small groups and to share their own stories, experiences, and ideas about how race, equity, and justice intersect with environmental challenges here in our state.

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