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Celebrating the life and legacy
MLK Commemoration
The Northwestern University community celebrates Dr. King with an expanded special commemoration including events and projects throughout the month to inspire reflection on Dr. King's life and legacy.MLK Commemoration 2025 Keynote Speaker
Shermann "Dilla" Thomas will be joined in conversation by Natalie Moore, senior lecturer and director of audio journalism programming at the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.
When: January 21, 2025 at 5:00pm CST
Where: Mary B Galvin Recital Hall,
70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Event is free and open to the public
2025 MLK Commemoration Keynote
Unmaking Segregation Recording
MLK Commemoration Keynote Recording
2025 Events
MLK Candlelight Vigil
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Michael Blake (BJ'04)
Michael Blake, a Medill School of Journalism alumnus and brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is a leader in public service, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. As Founder and CEO of Atlas Strategy Group and a former New York State Assembly member, he champions opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and drives social justice initiatives. Blake's impactful career includes work in the Obama-Biden administration and programs like My Brother's Keeper.
January 12, 2025
3:00pm CST
Alice Millar Chapel
1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208
Unmaking Segregation: Bold Stories of Crossing the Line and Sparking Change in a Divided City
The event features a panel discussion with Tonika Johnson, artist, activist, and creator of the Folded Map Project and Dr. Maria Krysan, distinguished professor of sociology and award-winning author featuring their newly published book Don’t Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It. Joining them will be Northwestern Alum and Don’t Go storytellers, Caroline O’Boyle and Leslie Cortez.
January 15, 2025
5:00pm CST
122 Parkes Hall
1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208
Event is free and open to the public.
The first 25 students to attend in person will receive a free copy of Don’t Go!
Eva Jefferson Day Event
Northwestern students will lead a program of arts and discussion about the legacy of Dr. King for Family Focus Evanston students.
*NOTE - This event is open only to participants of Family Focus Evanston
More on MLK Dream Week at Northwestern
Celebrating Together
The Northwestern University began observing this day as a community in 1987.
This year's program
Join us on both campuses for events, speakers and special programming.