The inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture at Harvard recognizes an individual who, through their activism, advocacy, scholarship, or service, has made an indelible contribution to advancing justice and equality.   

The 2022 lecture honors civil rights and education leader Freeman A. Hrabowski III, PhD, who will deliver a keynote speech on October 12.  

Widely acclaimed as one of the most transformative leaders in higher education, Dr. Hrabowski’s 30-year tenure as president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) received national recognition and praise for his commitment to advancing underrepresented minorities’ participation in science, technology, and engineering. Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1950, he participated in the children’s crusade during the civil rights movement with Dr. King. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for the “development of a national educational model for students from diverse backgrounds to excel in engineering and science.” He is a cofounder of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which is now a model of inclusive excellence for colleges nationwide. Learn more about Dr. Hrabowski.