January 21 to January 24, 2025

The theme for this year’s MLK Campus Commemoration, “Bridging Generations: Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future,” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in a way that reflects NC State’s values of learning, connection, and shared purpose. This theme encourages us to think about how each generation’s experiences shape our community, helping us learn from one another in meaningful ways. “Lighting the Way” recognizes the wisdom of those who came before us, offering guidance that helps us navigate today’s challenges. “Illuminating the Future” invites us to look ahead with hope and a sense of responsibility, as we work together to create a welcoming environment for all. These ideas remind us that building a strong community is a collective effort, one where every voice and story has a place.

2025 MLK Intergenerational Keynote Panel

WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. EST. Reception to immediately follow.
WHERE: Coastal Ballroom, Talley Student Union

Our 2025 MLK commemoration discussants are:

• Jayla Moody Marshall (she/her) Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development higher education opportunity, equity, and justice concentration – Facilitator
• Caston Reaves II (he/him), Student, Black Male Initiative  
• Jaida Ellis (she/her), Graduate Assistant, Multicultural Student Affairs
• Dr. Maru Gonzalez (she/her/ella), Associate Professor & Extension Specialist
• Dr. Roshaunda Breeden (she/her), Assistant Professor | Higher Education Opportunity, Equity, & Justice 
• Dasan Ahanu (he/him), public speaker, organizer, curator, educator, poet, spoken word artist, educator, songwriter, and emcee

Please contact multicultural@ncsu.edu with if you have any questions about the Keynote Panel

MLK Commemoration Events

Intergenerational Keynote Panel | 2pm, Coastal Ballroom, Talley Student Union

On Tuesday, January 21, the MLK Campus Commemoration will feature an intergenerational keynote session and a meet-and-greet with panelists embodying this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations: Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future.” This event invites participants to learn from speakers of different generations and engage in conversations highlighting the shared insights and connections that shape our campus community.

Art Workshop | 6 pm, AACC Room 356 – Witherspoon Student Center 

On Wednesday, January 22, students can participate in the art workshop, “Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future,” where they’ll create artwork inspired by this year’s MLK Campus Commemoration theme. In partnership with Arts NC State and the Arts Village this workshop allows students to express their interpretations, with the finished pieces displayed in a pop-up exhibit in Talley and Witherspoon, showcasing the creativity and perspectives of our community.

Immersive VMLK Screening & Sign Making Event | 10am to 2pm, The Landing Room 3201, James B. Hunt Jr. Library Centennial Campus

On Wednesday, January 22, in The Landing at Hunt Library on Centennial Campus will host an immersive virtual reality screening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, connecting to this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations: Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future.” This event invites participants to reflect on Dr. King’s powerful messages and explore his historic visit to Durham, North Carolina fostering a deeper understanding of how his vision continues to inspire our community today through CHASS’s Virtual Martin Luther King, Jr. Project. During the screening there will also be an opportunity to make signs in The Technology Showcase (Room 2200) for the March Like Martin Event.

March Like Martin Event | 12:30pm, Stafford Commons to Harris Field 

On Friday, January 24, at 12:30 PM, join us for the March Like Martin event, starting at Stafford Commons and concluding at Harris Field. This event reflects this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations: Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future,” as a current student leader and MSW student, Jaida Ellis will share insights on connecting Dr. King’s legacy to our community today. During the event, folks will have an opportunity to make signs. Participants will be encouraged to embrace Dr. King’s spirit of unity and purpose as we march together.

MLK Campus Community Conversation | 3pm, AACC Room 356 – Witherspoon Student Center 

On Friday, January 24, at 3 PM, join us for a Campus Community Conversation in the  African American Cultural Center (AACC) Living Room, where faculty, staff, students, and alumni will discuss over a free meal how to bring Dr. King’s work to life today. This event connects to this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations: Lighting the Way and Illuminating the Future,” by exploring the balance between personal wellness and the responsibilities of leadership in our community. AYA Ambassadors and other student leaders will collaborate with professionals, including Dr. Kierra Carter, the Embedded Counselor for AACC and Multicultural Student Affairs, to guide discussions, sharing insights and strategies for meaningful engagement. A dinner meal will be served to participants who register for the event, limited spots are available.

MLK Planning Committee
Multicultural Student Affairs extends gratitude to the various campus and community partners who have helped to plan and curate this week long MLK Campus Commemoration 2025 experience. Partners representing the following units, organizations and colleges were integral to the week’s success:

Division of Academic and Student Affairs, African American Cultural Center, Black Alumni Society, DASA Assessment, Fraternity and Sorority Life, New Student Programs, Student Success, University Housing, University Communications and Marketing, College of Engineering and University Libraries.

As your organizations, departments, colleges, and offices begin finishing your planning for how you will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., please add your events to the university calendar and share a link to them with Dr. Jameco McKenzie at ljmckenz@ncsu.edu to be included in on our MLK Campus Commemoration Landing Page.