MLK Celebration History
The first student-organized Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service was held at the University in January 1982. The student group, Men Interested in Alpha (MIA), worked with the Greenville graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to organize this commemorative observance at the newly renovated Tillman Hall Auditorium. In 1983, MIA group members became charter members of the Pi Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Over the years, the Pi Alpha Chapter has continued its involvement with Clemson’s Martin Luther King, Jr. observance.
Early speakers for the commemorative observance included Dr. Charles T. Battle, M.D., Seneca; the Rev. Sammy Jackson, pastor, St. James United Methodist Church, Seneca; the honorable Frank Gilbert, former S.C. state senator; the Rev. James O. Rich, pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church, Anderson; and Dr. Lewis Suggs, former professor of history at Clemson.
In the fall of 1986, the Student Government Minority Council (now Council on Diversity Affairs), Pi Alpha Chapter and the Clemson University Black History and Culture Committee organized the first commemorative march to precede the service. Originally, the march was held from the old band practice field to Tillman Hall Auditorium. By the late 80’s, the march and service were firmly established as dual events.
The spring of 1998 marked a year of renewed commitment from the University with the formation of the MLK Enhancement Committee (composed of Pi Alpha Chapter, Undergradaute Student Government Council on Diversity Affairs, Clemson staff and faculty, and community members) and funding from the Office of the President for the MLK celebration. This funding and strong administrative support from the then Gantt Intercultural Center (now Gantt Multicultural Center) have helped expand the celebration to include a day of service and a variety of other programs for the campus and community. The increased funding and support have also enabled the committee to bring nationally recognized speakers to campus such as Myrlie Evers-Williams, Susan L. Taylor, Ossie Davis, Dorothy Cotton, Dr. David Levering Lewis, Ed Gordon, Ambassador Andrew Young, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Barbara Cross, Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, Senator Carol Moseley Braun, Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., David Hilliard and Dr. Bob Zellner.
Past Speakers
The Celebration features keynote speakers who give their perspectives on Dr. King’s Legacy and how it applies to today’s society. Speakers are listed in reverse order of their appearance at Clemson.
2024
Bakari Sellers
Best-selling Author, Civil Rights Activist, Attorney, Entrepreneur, Legislator
2023
Yolanda Renee King
Author, Speaker, and Activist
2022
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
Professor, News Correspondent, and Activist
2021
Angela Davis
Social Activist, Professor, and Writer
2020
Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancey
President Emerita of Johnson C. Smith University
2019
Maya Wiley, Esq.
Civil Rights Activist
2018
Jennifer Pinckney
Survivor of Mother Emmanuel Shooting
2017
Dr. Walter Kimbrough
Seventh President of Dillard University
2016
Sybrina Fulton
Mother of Trayvon Martin
2015
Dr. Brian Johnson
Seventh President of Tuskegee University
2014
Dr. Bob Zellner
Civil Rights Activist, former Freedom Rider and Author
2013
David Hilliard
Founding Member and former Chief of Staff, Black Panther Party
2012
Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Esq.
President / CEO MLK Memorial Foundation
2011
Nontombi Naomi Tutu
Human Rights Activist
2010
Carol Moseley Braun
Entrepreneur, Ambassador & Former Senator
2009
Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
Educator
2008
Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook
Educator
2007
Barbara Cross
Speaker & Activist
2006
Rev. Joseph Lowery
Leader & Activist
2005
Andrew Young
Ambassador & Former Mayor
2004
Ed Gordon
TV Host & Journalist
2003
Dorothy Cotton
Professor & Activist
2002
David Levering Lewis
Historian & Author
2001
Susan Taylor
Publisher & Entrepreneur
2000
Ossie Davis
Actor & Activist
1999
Manning Marable
Educator
1998
Myrlie Evers-Williams
Civil Rights Activist
