Boise State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Celebration will honor the slain civil rights leader’s legacy with a number of events beginning with a march and rally Jan. 18 and including a keynote address by Dr. Cornel West Jan. 25. All events are free and open to the public.
This year’s theme is “Back to Basics: Expanding the Dream.” A full schedule of events, including a poetry reading, workshops and a Legacy of Faith breakfast, will be posted at mlk.boisestate.edu at a later date.
West will speak at 6 p.m. at the Student Union Jordan Ballroom; doors open at 5:45 p.m.
West has been a champion for racial justice since he was a child. His writing, speaking and teaching weave together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics and jazz. Currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his influential book “Race Matters.” The book changed the course of America’s dialogue on race, justice and democracy and has sold more than a half million copies to date. In his latest work, Hope on a Tightrope, he offers commentary on issues that affect the lives of all Americans.
West has published 19 other books and has edited 13 texts. He also was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular “Matrix” movie trilogy and has served as its official spokesperson, as well as playing a recurring role in the final two films.
