2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Lecture with Byron Pitts, "On the Front Lines: Chaos or Community"

January 24, 2024, from 5 - 6:15 p.m. in Rangos Ballroom, Second Floor, Cohon University Center

In his keynote lecture, "On the Front Lines: Chaos or Community,"  Byron Pitts will reflect on Dr. King, often troubled by the times he was living through post-civil rights, who pondered if he had integrated his people into a burning building. Dr. King posed a question " Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community?" Byron Pitt's work on the front lines of some of the greatest and most tragic events over the last 30 years gives him critical insight into where we are as a nation and how we can turn our turbulent times of chaos into a reflection of the beloved community Dr. King envisioned.

Byron Pitts is a multiple Emmy Award–winning journalist known for his thoughtful storytelling, on-the-ground reporting and in-depth interviews. A 30-year news veteran, Pitts has traveled the world to cover some of the biggest news stories of our time. He joined ABC News in 2013 as anchor and Chief National Correspondent covering national news stories and features for Good Morning America, World News with Diane Sawyer, Nightline, This Week, 20/20, and ABCNews.com, and was named ABC News Nightline co-anchor in 2014. He applies his unique experiences, perspectives and decidedly optimistic outlook to his life and his work.

In 2002, Pitts was named the National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year. His memoir, Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges, chronicles his journey overcoming illiteracy and a stutter to become a journalist.

Watch the event recording