
On the entanglement of race, religion, and politics in America
Rochester’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address took the form of a conversation between two noted guest scholars, moderated by Frederick Douglass Institute director Jeffrey McCune Jr.

Annual MLK commemorative event will feature conversation on social justice, politics, and religion
Nationally recognized scholars Anthea Butler and Valeria Sinclair-Chapman will participate in a discussion of King’s civil rights movement, then and now.

Rheeda Walker, expert on Black mental health, to deliver University’s 2022 MLK address
The University of Houston professor will discuss mental health challenges facing African Americans and take questions from the audience during her January 21 address.

Ibram X. Kendi: ‘The very heartbeat of racism is denial’
The antiracist activist and author spoke on several current issues at the University’s annual MLK Commemorative Address.

Author, antiracist activist Ibram X. Kendi to deliver University’s MLK address
Kendi, a best-selling author, professor, antiracist activist, and historian of race and discriminatory policy in America, will give a virtual speech as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Celebrating two decades of the MLK Commemorative Address
Since 2000, when the late Julian Bond spoke on the River Campus, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address has been a winter tradition at the University of Rochester, bringing civil rights leaders, activists, poets, and icons to campus.

Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. to deliver University’s 2020 MLK Commemorative Address
Eddie Glaude Jr. author of the book Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own, will deliver Rochester’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address.

Symone Sanders to deliver MLK Commemorative Address
Sanders is a political commentator for CNN and served national press secretary for Senator Bernie Sanders during his 2016 presidential run, the youngest press secretary for a presidential candidate.

Urban League president to students: ‘Activism is a mindset’
Before delivering the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address, Marc Morial took some time to speak with students at the Douglass Leadership House about activism, race, and the keys to leading a successful life.

‘We may be a little late, but happy birthday Dr. King’
Marc Morial, the president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, delivered the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address, after the event had been postponed due to weather. “Every generation has a responsibility and a mission to improve things,” Morial told students at the Douglass Leadership House earlier in the day. “When you succeed, go back,” he said. “Do not forget the communities from whence you’ve come.” (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)