Celebrate MLK Day Jan. 27-29 with Keynote, Community Discussions

Anti-racist activist Tim Wise will deliver the keynote address at Wesleyan’s Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 31. His talk begins at 3:15 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. A reception and book signing will follow in the Zelnick Pavilion.

Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in all 50 states, on over 800 college and high school campuses, and to community groups across the nation.

Wise is the author of seven books, including his latest, The Culture of Cruelty:How America’s Elite Demonize the Poor, Valorize the Rich and Jeopardize the Future. He’s appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, is a regular contributor to discussions about race on CNN, and has been featured on ABC’s 20/20. Read more about Wise here.

Tickets are free and available at the University Box Office in Usdan University Center.

Between 1962 and 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Wesleyan four times. In 1964, he received an honorary degree and delivered the baccalaureate sermon during commencement. Also in honor of MLK celebrations, the Wesleyan community is invited to participate in a community discussion of “Access, Equity and Inclusion: How Are You Living the Dream?” Jan. 27-29. Events include talks on Martin Luther King Jr. at Wesleyan, the Civil Rights Movement at Wesleyan, Race and Religion, Exploring Students of Color Leadership Narratives, a screening of the film Cracking the Code: The System of Racial Inequality, a creative identity workshop,  a Civil Rights Landmarks display and more. See the full schedule online here.

The Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is sponsored by Academic Affairs, the Department of African American Studies, the Anthropology Department, the Office of Diversity and Institutional Partnerships, the English Department, the Government Department, Human Resources, the Office of Residential Life, the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development, the Division of Student Affairs and the Wesleyan Student Assembly.