The University of Iowa

Staff Council

Friday, January 3, 2025

MLK 2025.jpg

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was born in Atlanta on Jan. 15^th, 1929, to a family of pastors, and flickers of his talent in this familial vocation were observed from an early age. MLK started college at 15, and by the age of 26, he received his doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University [1, 2]. Having attended segregated schools as a child, MLK was intimately familiar with the racial discrimination that plagued America. Therefore, MLK proactively opposed inequality and injustice. One illustration of this was his considerable involvement in the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, which in 1956 led the Supreme Court to rule that segregated buses were unconstitutional [1].

What set MLK apart from many of his anti-segregationist contemporaries, was that his methods were always peaceful. Many people believed that the violence meted out to them, should be reciprocated. MLK himself was no stranger to violence, as he was often a recipient. He was arrested 29 times on fabricated charges, his home was bombed [1], and in 1958 he survived an assassination attempt [2]. Nonetheless, between 1957 and 1968, MLK traversed the country, speaking out against injustice, while authoring 5 books and countless articles decrying segregation.

MLK was steadfast in his message of inclusion, calling for all races to unite and fight against inequality. He asserted that inequality was not just a ‘southern’ problem, but an American problem. Perhaps his defining moment was on Aug. 28, 1963, when he led 250,000 to peacefully march on Washington, D.C. There he delivered his iconic, ‘l Have a Dream’ speech [1]. Listen to it in its entirety here [3]. This message, amidst the turmoil of the era, acted as a salve for the nation and captivated the hearts and minds of his supporters, and enemies. So profound an orator was he.

During his lifetime, MLK received many national and international accolades for his work. He was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1963 [1]. He then became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, for his ‘dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action.’ [4]

Nevertheless, he would ultimately fall victim to the violence he abhorred. On April 4, 1968, a shot rang out on the balcony of Memphis’ Lorraine motel, and MLK’s life was cut short [1]. The country and the world mourned. However, the gunman’s act did not achieve the intended goal, he had destroyed the messenger, but the message lives on. MLK is revered by people of all colors and nationalities, not only as a civil rights leader, but as a proponent for change, and a hero in the never-ending fight against injustice.

We remember this luminary, through the celebration of the MLK holiday, observed on Jan 20^th2025 (3^rd Mon. of every January). The federal holiday was first established on Nov. 2, 1983, by President Ronald Reagan. Then on Aug. 23, 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act, meant to honor Dr. King’s work and promote service and volunteerism, was signed by President Bill Clinton [5]. Join the University of Iowa as we celebrate MLK’s legacy during MLK and human rights week (Jan 20^th to 26^th). There will be events such as lectures, volunteering opportunities, art exhibits and more. Lastly, on Feb 5^th enjoy a special lecture by esteemed Pulitzer prize winner Isabel Wilkerson [6] (event is free, register here by Jan 29^th). Learn more and get involved here [7].

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