Queens College, located in Flushing, is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Sunday Jan 14 that will feature musical performances and include several guests such as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
The keynote address will be delivered by Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), who will also be recognized with the college’s 2024 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.
The FPWA is an anti-poverty, policy and advocacy organization and Austin has led and secured changes in social policy to strengthen and empower the disenfranchised and marginalized people in society.
“Being recognized with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award by Queens College, an institution that has been the bedrock for thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers, ensuring them meaningful access and opportunity to brighter futures, is a tremendous honor,” Austin said.
Following the keynote address, there will be performances by The Queens College Treble Chorus, which will be accompanied by pianist Russell Paul.
“Appreciating that Queens College not only celebrates annually the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but embraces the very essence of his dream in their educational offerings fills me with both joy and humility to be considered worthy of this award,” she added.
Queens College President Frank H. Wu said the college is constantly striving to stay true to Dr. King’s vision of a just society.
‘We have always felt a special connection to Dr. King since he first spoke on our campus in 1965 as part of the inaugural John F. Kennedy Lecture Series. Nearly 60 years later, many things have changed, but his words remain as true as ever. Our society has improved in many ways, and King’s work along with the efforts of countless others, paved the way for that,” he said.
The event will be two hours long from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at the LeFrak Concert Hall in Queens College.
Prior to the ceremony, there will be an informational event held at noon in the Dining Hall at the college for prospective students who are interested in studying at Queens College.
The prospective students will have the opportunity to learn about different degree programs, the admission process and financial aid.
The celebration for Martin Luther King Jr Day is completely free and open to the public to attend. Tickets can be found on online.
