This year's celebration includes events both on campus and in nearby neighborhoods with a theme of Our Shared Future: Changing the World, Together.
Each year, Georgia Tech's commemoration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. encompasses an ambitious slate of events organized by faculty, staff, and students.
This year's celebration is no different. It includes events on campus, in nearby neighborhoods, and even in Alabama, with the theme of Our Shared Future: Changing the World, Together.
Events that will take place on campus are listed below. See a full list of events.
Campuswide Student Celebration: Bending the Arc Toward Justice
Tuesday, Jan. 15
7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom
This celebration will feature student speeches, cultural performances, and a candle-lighting ceremony for student organizations. Reception to follow.
Distinguished Lecture: Einstein on Politics featuring Robert Schulmann
The Moral Education of Albert Einstein
Wednesday, Jan. 16
3 p.m., Student Center Ballroom
Schulmann, former director of the Einstein Papers Project and co-editor of Einstein on Politics, will discuss the interplay of politics with Albert Einstein’s concerns for human rights and the trajectory of his professional career. The lecture will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations.
FOCUS Program
Jan. 17–19
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
Focus is one of the nation’s premier programs for raising awareness of graduate education among the brightest underrepresented students.
MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 21
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center Ballroom
Participants will serve in teams and engage in service projects with metro Atlanta community partners. RSVP at engage.gatech.edu.
MLK Lecture featuring Dr. Mae Jemison
Tuesday, Jan. 22
7 p.m., Ferst Center for the Arts
Jemison, an engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut, will discuss King’s legacy and the journey individuals must take to change the world together and create a shared future.
MLK “Sunday” Supper: A Community Meal and Conversation
Thursday, Jan. 24
6 – 8 p.m., Bill Moore Student Success Center
The Georgia Tech community is invited to come together over a meal and discuss the MLK Celebration events, King’s legacy, and creating a shared future. There are 100 spaces available. RSVP at engage.gatech.edu.
Komansé Dance Theater: Skid
Jan. 25–26
8 p.m., Ferst Center for the Arts
Komansé Dance Theater, led by Georgia Tech graduate Raianna Brown, takes a provocative look at homelessness and gentrification in the metro Atlanta area and beyond. Tickets are $30 at tickets.arts.gatech.edu.
Forces Behind Movements
Tuesday, Jan. 29
6:30 p.m., Bill Moore Student Success Center, President's Suite A and Hall of Success
Join us for a conversation around the leadership women have held throughout the civil rights movement and other major social movements. A reception is included, and seating is limited to 30. RSVP to attend.
Break Free from Poverty 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, Feb. 9
8 a.m., Student Center
The Georgia Tech MLK Student Board in conjunction with the African-American Student Union will host a 5K Walk/Run to gain awareness of disadvantaged students at Georgia Tech. There is no entry fee, but students are encouraged to donate non-perishable foods and gently used clothing. Please let the designated event sponsor know if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate.