Different universities lineup activities to commemorate the birth anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year is the 34th annual celebration of MLK Day to celebrate the legacy and achievements of one of the most influential civil rights activists in the world.
Dr. King's day, a federal holiday was created in 1983, during President Ronald Reagan's term to honor his contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement and is celebrated every third Monday of January.
This year, universities have organized different activities to commemorate MLK Day and honor his legacy by promoting unity and equality. According to PennState News, the university libraries will host exhibits to celebrate the event. There will be hourly presentations of "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective" in the Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library on January 16.
At the Franklin Atrium, 106 Pattee Library, visitors will be treated to a performance by the Essence of Joy, PennState's choral ensemble.
On January 18, Tom Houck, former aide to King and his family will deliver a speech at the Foster Auditorium, E102 Paterno Library, in an event co-sponsored by the Presidential Leadership Academy, Schreyer Honors College, Paterno Family Professorship, Hillel and the University Libraries.
Duke Today reported that the university's celebration will highlight art and activism with Phil Freelon, principal architect of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), to deliver a keynote at Duke's annual MLK commemoration on Sunday, January 15.
Vanderbilt News revealed that the university's celebration will touch on justice and democracy with Prof. Kimberlé Crenshaw to give the keynote address in the school's commemoration activities on Monday, January 16. Prof. Crenshaw is a distinguished professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School and a leading authority in the area of civil rights, Black feminist legal theory, and race.
On Monday, January 16, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will hold its annual day of service where participants are expected to complete hands-on projects to be donated to community organizations. Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Brian Stevenson is the keynote speaker at University of Chicago's celebration. The author will be joined by the Chicago Children's Choir in the event that's also open to the public.
