Drew University Archives presents:

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Speech Articles Books Documents

On February 5, 1964, Drew University proudly hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a convocation speaker. Dr. King's connection with Drew University was through Dr. George D. Kelsey, Professor of Christian Ethics. Prior to teaching at Drew, Kelsey taught at Morehouse College where he became a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., then a student, and who has credited Kelsey for his motivation to become a preacher. At the time of the event, Dr. King had been recently selected as Time magazine's "Man of the Year" and shared his "An American Dream" speech to over 5,000 attendees. A student reporter for the Drew Acorn noted, "He is unimposing, seems quite ordinary, but, when he speaks, people listen. They tend to forget all else."


Drew University Acorn:

January 20, 1964

February 10, 1964


Madison Eagle:

February, 1964

February 13, 1964


Read about the lost tape:

Daily Record, May 19, 2004

 

Content provided by Cheryl Oestreicher, University Archives. Site designed by Sarah Ashley, Instructional Technology Services.