Program History
A program built upon the vision and legacy of MLK
Since 1975, MIT’s annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has featured events like lectures and a keynote address by Coretta Scott King. The program’s growth led to the establishment of the MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program in 1988, enriching MIT’s intellectual community.
Continuing the program’s legacy
Continuing to seek new perspectives
Building on MIT’s annual commemorations honoring Dr. King, a 1988 committee was charged with identifying additional ways the Institute could further Dr. King’s legacy. Their recommendations led to the creation of the MLK Visiting Scholars Program in 1991 and the MLK Visiting Professors Program in 1995.
Throughout the first three decades of the program, over 160 individuals were invited to MIT, representing each of MIT’s academic areas, as well as areas such as medicine, the arts, law, and public service. Across the Institute, the program has been recognized for the impact the visitors had on the community through their teaching, service, and research.
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1988
Committee evaluates ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy
MIT charges the Martin Luther King Committee to consider how MIT can further call community attention to Dr. King’s life, work, and contributions. Among the committee’s recommendations are the establishment of the MLK Visiting Scholars Program in 1991 and its expansion, the MLK Visiting Professors Program, in 1995.
MIT’s first MLK Day march at the Student Center, 1975. Photo: Calvin Campbell/MIT News Office, Courtesy MIT Museum -
1991
MIT appoints first MLK visiting scholar
Dr. Henry C. McBay, a retired professor of chemistry from Morehouse College, is appointed the first MLK visiting scholar. While at MIT, McBay is honored with a four-day symposium and addresses students in the Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program at Cambridge Rindge and Latin.
MLK Banquet, December 1990. Left to right: MIT Provost Mark S. Wrighton, Dr. McBay, US Secretary of Human Services Louis Sullivan, and MIT President Charles M. Vest -
1995
Four serve as inaugural MLK visiting professors
To facilitate deeper engagement with the Institute, the MLK program expands to include visiting professor appointments. Wesley Harris, Richard Joseph, Steven Lee, and Oliver McGee are appointed the first MLK visiting professors.
The five inaugural MLK visiting professors -
2006
Panel evaluates ten years of the MLK Visiting Professors program
Ten years after the first visiting professors were appointed through the MLK program, a panel is charged with evaluating the program and suggesting changes. In its report, the panel emphasizes the need for an Institute-wide strategy to recruit and promote underrepresented minorities.
Exhibit at the MIT Student Center, 1968 -
2022
Commitments to Indigenous community expand program
As part of its increased commitment to its Indigenous community, the Institute adds two new positions to the MLK program, with one designated for experts in Native American studies.
MIT MLK Scholars Welcome Luncheon 2022
“We must work passionately and indefatigably to bridge the gulf between our scientific progress and our moral progress.”