History and Purpose

In 1980, a former MSU graduate student named Eugene Henderson founded the original Committee commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Michigan State University. The committee was established to recognize and celebrate Dr. King's accomplishments and to continue his legacy. In January 1990, the first jointly-sponsored University-wide observance was held. In February 1998, the MSU Board of Trustees approved a recommendation that the University honor Dr. King on the day set aside as a national holiday in a manner that reflects the universality of the King legacy for all people. Regular class schedules were cancelled beginning in January 1999.

"It really boils down to this: All life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1999, the University began promoting campus-wide programs designed to explore the origins and the applications of Dr. King's legacy. Efforts were made by the planning committee to highlight two significant events that have become an annual tradition at MSU over the years. In the early years of our celebration, the Commemorative March and the Commemorative Convocation became two of the main events that took place on the campus of MSU every year. Today, the Commemorative March which represents Dr. King’s most celebrated method to draw attention to his struggle against racial intolerance, hatred and inequality, continues to be a part of our annual tradition. However, given the recent expansion of new events and other innovative activities, the Commemorative Convocation has now become one of many options that may be rotated each year. As we continue to focus on Dr. King’s legacy, we are constantly striving to create programs that help us to learn more about his message and celebrate his ideals. Newer programs include The Celebratory Community Dinner, the Student Leadership Conference, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser, to name a few.

As part of MSU’s annual tradition, colleges and departments continue to sponsor programs designed to enlighten and educate the campus community about Dr. King and his ideals. Students design and actively participate in programs and events in the Residence Halls to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King.

The Commemorative Planning Committee recognizes the significant impact of Dr. King's efforts on American society. His message was one of inclusion and opportunity for all people. In her 2006 message to the University about the legacy of Dr. King, President Lou Anna Simon wrote: "Today our university community is a rich tapestry, woven from many different pieces, many different textures and many different colors. We are connected in the fabric of everything that we do and must continue to consider how our daily activities affect and connect with what others are doing. Diversity within community at Michigan State gives strength and substance to our ideas and programs and has a powerful impact that extends to people and to places far beyond our campus."

MSU Celebrates the 40th Reunion of the Student Tutorial Education Project (STEP)

In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was invited to MSU by Dr. Robert L. Green and Rev. John Duley to launch the Student Tutorial Education Project (STEP). He came from Selma Alabama on February 11, 1965 and spoke to an overflow crowd in the Auditorium and Fairchild Theater. Subsequent to Dr. King’s visit, Dr. Green took a leave of absence in 1966-7 to work as an educational consultant with Dr. King and Rev. Duley directed the Rust College project along with Larry Klein, a student who stayed with the project all four years, and other MSU Faculty and students. More...

History of Dr. King

View poster from January, 1999 signed by Martin Luther King, III

View Historical Photographs