On February 10, 1961, the 32-year old Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech on the campus of New York University. Dr. King’s speech entitled, “The Future of Integration,” advocated for civil rights and nonviolent protest for social change. He said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
For the ninth-consecutive year, the University will commemorate Dr. King’s visit and his legacy by hosting a weeklong schedule of special events and programs. The theme for this year’s MLK Week is, The Power of Courage: Passion. Purpose. Perseverance. and is intended to create an intergenerational dialogue about the importance of making bold strides towards lasting and meaningful change. The highlight of the week will be the NYU MLK Week University-Wide Event on Thursday, February 6th which will feature professor, author and MSNBC show host Melissa Harris-Perry with special guest, activist and philosopher, Grace Lee Boggs and others.