Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 2024

On this observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we reconnect with the lasting impact of Dr. King. This day prompts us to actively engage in pursuits that contribute to the well-being of our global community. In times of uncertainty, we draw inspiration from Dr. King whose commitment to justice and equality remains a guiding light for us all.

"...Today, our survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change…"

Source: “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Boston: Beacon Press, 1967.

As a university, we will be honoring Dr. King during the week of February 5th - 9th. Stay tuned for further details of NYU MLK Week, hosted annually by the NYU MLK Week Planning Committee in collaboration with the Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation. Explore the resources below for insights into Dr. King’s vision and how it continues to help us navigate the evolving landscape of our world.

• Song Stories: Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday”, Library of Congress
  • Stevie Wonder played a pivotal role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, advocating through his influential song "Happy Birthday." The anthem served as a powerful rallying cry, which celebrated Dr. King's legacy and contributed significantly to the campaign's success.

• King Papers Publications, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford
  • The principle mission of this project is to publish The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr., a projected fourteen-volume edition of King's most historically significant speeches, sermons, correspondence, published writings, and unpublished manuscripts. Volume I begins with the childhood letters King wrote to his mother and father, while Volume III traces his transformation into civil rights activism.

• Bayard Rustin (1912-1987), National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • Rustin was a close advisor to Dr. King and one of the most influential organizers of the Civil Rights Movement, as he provided King with a deeper understanding of nonviolent resistance after visiting India in 1948. The Netflix biopic, Rustin (2023), directed by Tisch alum George C. Wolfe (Dramatic Writing MFA, 1983), chronicles the role Rustin played in the movement, while battling homophobia as an openly gay man.

Visit our communications archive to read last year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day message and engage with more resources!