MLK

The 2018 keynote speaker is Martin Luther King III, human rights advocate, community activist, political leader and the oldest son of King. The keynote address has been rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom and will be moderated by Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. The event is free and open to the public. Guests can RSVP at: go.vcu.edu/mlk3keynote. Overflow seating will be available in the University Student Commons, Commons Theater. 

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week was established in 2014 to honor and raise awareness of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through VCU and Richmond community-wide educational programs that commemorate his distinguished contributions, leadership, spirit of service and dedication to nonviolence and justice.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a national holiday in 1986 and for more than 30 years, American institutions of higher education have organized celebrations to honor the late civil rights leader. MLK Celebration Week returns for a fifth year, from Monday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018. 

With the 2018’s theme, “50 years later: Don’t sleep on the dream” in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about King’s lasting legacy and engage in making their community a better place for all.

Watch Dr. Rao speak about the MLK Celebration »