Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has announced that Mary Frances Berry, a prominent author, activist, and historian, will be the keynote speaker for its 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. President’s Luncheon. The event is scheduled for January 20, 2025, in the Student Center Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as part of EMU's celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Dwight Hamilton, EMU’s chief diversity officer and luncheon co-chair, remarked on Berry's participation: “Mary Frances Berry’s lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice makes her an extraordinary addition to this year’s event.” He emphasized her leadership as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to honor Dr. King's dream.

The day's events begin with an MLK Walk to Freedom from 10 to 11 a.m., starting at the MLK Statue. This will be followed by the President’s Luncheon where Chuck Stokes, Channel 7 Editorial Director, will moderate a conversation with Berry. A book signing featuring Berry will conclude Monday's activities.

Berry's career includes over four decades of breaking barriers and influencing history. She began her teaching career at EMU from 1968 to 1970 as one of the first women teaching African American history there and advised student activists on campus equity issues.

In 1976, she became the first woman chancellor of a major research university at the University of Colorado Boulder and later served as assistant secretary for education in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter.

Berry co-founded the Free South Africa Movement in 1984 and chaired the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 1993 to 2004 across four presidential administrations. Since 1988, she has been serving as Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania.

Melissa Thrasher, EMU’s executive director of Media Relations and luncheon co-chair stated: “This event is more than a reflection on Dr. King’s life—it’s a call to action for our community to carry his dream forward.”

Kevin Williams, EMU’s director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming added that “Berry’s presence offers a unique opportunity for students and the Ypsilanti community to learn from her wisdom.”

For further details or ticket purchases for this event honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through dialogue with Mary Frances Berry, visit EMU's website.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university, Eastern Michigan University serves nearly 13,000 students across various disciplines including arts and sciences through its numerous colleges offering over three hundred majors.