In mid-January of this year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) held its 49th annual Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event was the lead in a string of activities organized by MIT to honor the civil rights leader whose legacy continues to impact social justice efforts across the US. The event occurred at Morss Hall, with a packed crowd in attendance, and featured activist and top Black History Month speaker Angela Davis as the keynote speaker.

The celebration luncheon’s theme was “Let us uphold the flame for fairness and justice. There’s a certain kind of fire that must not be extinguished.” In her address, Davis encouraged attendees to restore their commitment to the fight against racism, materialism, and militarism. She stressed that it is a historical moment when it is essential to understand the systemic, institutional character of racism and to recognize the collective multigenerational vision of those who have been denied entrance into the circle of freedom.

Davis asked the audience two questions to ponder. Firstly, how have Black people and their allies remained committed to this struggle for freedom over many generations? Secondly, how has racism persisted for so long and become naturalized so that its followers believe that what is referred to as racism is actually the natural destiny of the world? Davis believes that education is integrally related to social change and is on the verge of substantial changes in how people think about race and racism. However, she noted that counterrevolutionaries are trying to turn back the clock and enact laws that impede education about race and racism.

During the luncheon event, Steven Branch, the associate director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the MIT Sloan School of Management’s Career Development Office, shared his experience working at a company where he was the only Black employee. He recalled feeling othered because the anniversary of King’s birthday was not recognized as a holiday there. However, when he expressed this in a staff meeting, the CEO declared it a company holiday. Branch learned the value of standing up publicly for one’s beliefs and that doing so could result in positive change.

Jaleesa Trapp, a Ph.D. student in the Media Lab, spoke of the teacher who welcomed her to the Computer Clubhouse after-school program in middle school and urged her to see herself as an engineer, designer, or scientist. Trapp asked the audience to imagine what MIT could do as an institution of higher education with the power to transform lives by imparting knowledge. 

MIT President Sally Kornbluth expressed that as a new member of the MIT community, she could not offer her serious diagnoses or solutions. However, based on her 17 years in academic leadership, she outlined three overarching themes to improve the community’s diversity and inclusivity. First, she said that everyone at MIT is here because they deserve to be here, and every community member is valued for what they can contribute to the mission. Second, we must educate, including ensuring everyone is familiar with and awake to the history and presence of racial injustice in America. Finally, she emphasized that we must learn from the numbers but recognize that numbers don’t tell the complete story. The community must do more than increase diversity; it must make MIT an inclusive place where everyone feels welcome and valued. 

The MLK event was one of many activities MIT organized to honor King’s life and legacy, including honoring MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program members and presenting MLK leadership awards to students, faculty, and staff. The week’s programming also included an art exhibition and a vendor’s market supporting local Black-owned businesses.

MIT’s annual celebration serves as a reminder of King’s work and the ongoing efforts to promote social justice in the United States.

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