Bernice A. King to speak at OCC MLK convocation

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Bernice A. King, will be the speaker for Oakland Community College’s MLK convocation from 4:30 — 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8.

At the virtual event, King will discuss “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” continuing the conversation her father started during his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act.

She will also discuss how the social landscape of today, with all its challenges, compares to the prevailing issues her father spoke to during the Civil Rights Movement.

“It is an incredible honor to have Bernice A. King as the keynote presenter at this event,” said OCC Vice Chancellor Andre’ Poplar, who oversees the College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. “Bernice A. King has closely followed her father’s path of addressing social issues through ministry, nonviolent social action and leadership and, of course, carrying his legacy forward in her own right. She offers us a perspective no one else can.”

Peter Provenzano, OCC Chancellor will also speak at the event and there will be an audience Q & A session afterward.

“We are really excited to start our Winter 2024 semester with such a significant speaker as Bernice A. King,” said Kristina Marshall, director of DEIJ. “It is important to us to offer the event virtually so everyone can participate as well as to integrate our students in meaningful ways throughout the program.”

Visit OCC 2024 MLK Convocation for more information and to register for the virtual event.