- Speaker:
Bettina Love
- Time
-
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 at 6:00 pm
- Location
-
Sun Room, Memorial Union
- Co-Sponsors:
- Multicultural Student Affairs
- School of Education
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture
The Advancing One Community Awards will be awarded before the keynote address.
In this keynote, participants will uncover lesser-known stories of influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, and Mahalia Jackson, highlighting the pivotal roles of women and queer individuals in the civil rights movement. Moving beyond the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, the presentation reveals how intersectionality shaped the movement for social justice. By highlighting overlooked figures and contributions, this session expands Dr. King's legacy and provides actionable insights for educators and leaders to promote social justice and equality today.
Dr. Bettina L. Love holds the William F. Russell Professorship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the acclaimed author of The New York Times bestseller “Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal.” This groundbreaking work garnered the prestigious Stowe Prize for Literary Activism and was a finalist for the LA Times Book Award. Recognized by the Kennedy Center in 2022 as one of the Next 50 Leaders dedicated to fostering inspiration, inclusivity, and compassion, Dr. Love's impact extends far beyond academia. In 2024, she received the Truth Award for Excellence in Education from Better Brothers Los Angeles and The Diva Foundation.
Note: This lecture will not be recorded.