EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is pleased to announce renowned author, activist, and historian Mary Frances Berry as the keynote speaker for its 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. President’s Luncheon. The luncheon will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 at the Student Center, 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is part of EMU’s celebration honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Mary Frances Berry’s lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice makes her an extraordinary addition to this year’s event,” said Dwight Hamilton, EMU’s chief diversity officer and luncheon co-chair. “Her leadership and achievements are a powerful reminder of the work still needed to honor Dr. King’s dream and bring about lasting change.”

The day starts with an MLK Walk to Freedom from 10 to 11 a.m., starting at the MLK Statue, followed by the President’s Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where Channel 7 Editorial Director Chuck Stokes will moderate a conversation with Berry. A book signing featuring Berry concludes Monday’s event.

Berry’s career spans over four decades, breaking barriers and shaping history. Beginning her teaching career as an assistant professor of history at EMU from 1968 to 1970, Berry became one of the first women to teach African American history at the university. She played a pivotal role in advising student activists advocating for equity on campus. 

She became the first woman to lead a major research university when she became chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder in 1976. The following year, she was appointed assistant secretary for education in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare by former President Jimmy Carter.

She continued to make history as co-founder of the Free South Africa Movement in 1984, dedicated to raising global awareness of injustice in South Africa and contributing to the end of apartheid. Additionally, as chairperson of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 1993 to 2004, Berry advocated for equal rights across four presidential administrations.

Berry has written extensively on civil rights, history, and justice. Since 1988, she has served as the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania.

“This event is more than a reflection on Dr. King’s life—it’s a call to action for our community to carry his dream forward,” said Melissa Thrasher, EMU’s executive director of Media Relations and luncheon co-chair. 

“Berry’s presence offers a unique opportunity for students and the Ypsilanti community to learn from her wisdom and lifelong dedication to justice,” said Kevin Williams, EMU’s director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming and luncheon co-chair.

To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit the website. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.