June 14, 1964, was one of the greatest days in Springfield College history.

That was the day when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the College’s commencement address. Taking place at the height of his fame and the height of the Civil Rights Movement, it also happened in a remarkable context. That included both pressure from the FBI on the College to cancel the speech, and King’s arrest and imprisonment three days before he was scheduled to appear.

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of these events. March 5 will mark the 11th annual MLK Lecture.

This year’s event is not really a lecture at all. It is a multimedia and interactive panel discussion focused on King’s relevance to today. Its focus will be about patriotism and the state of our democracy—themes that were as important in King’s time as they are in our own.

Nationally prominent historians Mark Updegrove and Robyn C. Spencer-Antoine will join our own civil rights scholar Martin Dobrow in what promises to be a fascinating evening. Moderating the talk will be Calvin R. Hill, PhD, vice president for Inclusion and Community Engagement.

This event, presented by the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

For more information, please reach out to inclusion@springfield.edu.

Accessibility and Accommodations
Springfield College is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible services, programs, and activities. To request an accommodation to participate in a college event, or inquire about accessibility, please contact the Academic Success Center Disability and Accessibility Services at ascdas@springfieldcollege.edu or (413) 748-3389.

A Wellness Passport Event