Researcher, author, teacher, and Washington State University alum Marc Robinson will give the keynote speech at this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 in the CUB Sr. Ballroom and on YouTube.
Robinson is an assistant professor of history at California State University, San Bernardino, where he teaches courses on African American and U.S. history. He is also a visiting fellow in equity, justice, and inclusion at the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College. His research focuses on the Civil Rights and Black Power movements in the Pacific Northwest. Robinson received his doctoral degree from WSU in American Studies in 2012.
Robinson’s forthcoming book, “Washington State Rising: Black Power on Campus in the Pacific Northwest” places the Pacific Northwest within debates about the Civil Rights Movement. He uncovers the activism and contributions of the Black Student Union in Washington state to the movement, including a Seattle-wide youth outreach program, a sit-in and occupation of the University of Washington president’s office, confrontations with law enforcement in rural Washington, and successful initiatives for Black Studies in higher education.
During the keynote speech, Robinson will discuss his research and book, helping participants discover and understand the enormous role Black student unions throughout Washington state had in advancing the causes of equity and inclusion in the United States.
In addition to Robinson’s speech, there will be poetry, dance, and singing performances, and the Martin Luther King Jr. spirit awards winners will be announced. The Martin Luther King Jr. program will host additional events throughout the week. For more information, view the full Schedule of Events.
