Annual celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy at MIT
1994 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Theme
The Movement for Economic and Social Justice: 1994 and Beyond
Keynote
Coretta Scott King
Founder, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
VIDEOS
Coretta Scott King delivers the keynote address “The Movement for Economic and Social Justice: 1994 and Beyond” at the 20th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at MIT, held on February 11, 1994. Mrs. King is introduced by MIT President Charles M. Vest.
On February 11, 1994, Coretta Scott King is escorted to Kresge Auditorium during the traditional silent march at the 20th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at MIT.
TRANSCRIPT
[APPLAUSE]
HUMPHREY: Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
AUDIENCE: Good afternoon.
HUMPHREY: It’s cold, isn’t it? On behalf of President Charles M Vest and the Dr. Martin Luther King planning committee, distinguished guests, faculty and students, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 20th annual celebration at MIT of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My name is Andrew Humphrey, and I’m a second year graduate student for a PhD in Atmospheric Science.
The theme for this year’s celebration is The Movement For Economic And Social Justice, 1994 And Beyond. A theme like this may imply that like in 1964– or in 1694– there is no economic or social justice today. In order for us to move beyond 1994, we must look behind 1994 at the struggles and battles our people had to endure to bring us up to where we are today.
One thing is clear– during Dr. King’s time, all time and energy was spent being alert, responsive, and persistent for the economic and social welfare and, eventually, human rights of all people. Today we must have that same energy and vigilance, because, ironically the problems and language of those times 30 or 40 years ago are creeping back or have never left us.
Two legacies of Dr. King were voting rights and voter education, because voting is part of being a full participant in this society, and demanding positive social and economic change. And Dr. King once wrote, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” After a delay of over 30 years in Mississippi, justice has finally come on the assassination of Medgar Evers–
[APPLAUSE]