Caltech to Celebrate Life of Martin Luther King Jr. with Weeklong Series of Events

Caltech will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy with a virtual keynote address by John Williams, director of racial reconciliation at Fellowship Monrovia Church.

The address, scheduled for noon (PT) on Jan. 18, is open to the public and is part of a weeklong series of events and programs organized by the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity, Caltech Y, Black Scientists & Engineers of Caltech, and Black Ladies Association of Caltech.

Other programs include volunteer service at Union Station Homeless Services (open to students only) and a screening and discussion of the film MLK/FBI.

Williams, whose talk will reflect the theme "It Starts with Me," is an attorney who has dedicated his life to racial justice and education. He regularly guides civil rights journeys to the American South, exploring African American, Latine/Latino, and Asian American cultures and history.

Registration for the event is online.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Caltech in February 1958, giving three talks to the Caltech and Pasadena communities. He also met with members of the Associated Students of Caltech (ASCIT) and Interhouse Committee (IHC); dined at Dabney, Blacker, Fleming, and Ricketts houses; and held daily office hours at the Caltech Y.

"We must have active commitment rather than mere academic acceptance if we are going to solve the racial problems that face America today," King told one audience at Dabney Hall.

King was invited to the campus as part of the Caltech Y's "Leaders for America Program." Established in 1951, the program brought prominent speakers to campus to engage with students.

For more information on Caltech events celebrating King's work, visit https://diversity.caltech.edu/events/rsvp.