CMU's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, education, and action.
Each year, Carnegie Mellon University commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by bringing the community together to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing work of advancing racial equity and social justice. Through keynote lectures, conversations and other educational and commemorative events, the series encourages reflection, dialogue and action inspired by Dr. King’s vision.
Past Events
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
Featuring Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, the 2026 MLK Day Keynote explores racial identity, campus climate and educational equity, offering insights into creating more inclusive environments and advancing meaningful change in higher education.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Admiral Michelle J. Howard
Featuring Admiral Michelle J. Howard, the 2025 MLK Day Keynote explores leadership, service and diversity through the perspective of her groundbreaking 35-year career in the U.S. Navy. As the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first African-American woman to attain both three- and four-star ranks in the U.S. Armed Forces, Howard shares insights from her pioneering career and her commitment to leadership, innovation and inclusion.
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Byron Pitts, "On the Front Lines: Chaos or Community"
Featuring Emmy Award-winning journalist Byron Pitts, the 2024 MLK Day Keynote, “On the Front Lines: Chaos or Community,” reflects on Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community and considers how we can navigate turbulent times and move from chaos toward greater understanding, connection and community.
2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Majora Carter
Featuring MacArthur Fellow and urban revitalization strategist Majora Carter, the 2023 MLK Day Keynote explores the importance of creating thriving communities and expanding economic opportunity, drawing on Carter’s work in community development, technology inclusion, green infrastructure and workforce development.
2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Soledad O'Brien
Featuring award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, the 2022 MLK Day Keynote examines systemic racism and racial injustice, exploring challenges and opportunities for advancing equality and justice in areas including policing, incarceration, education and land ownership. O’Brien also reflects on Dr. King’s legacy and the role each of us can play in confronting and dismantling systemic racism.