Queens College honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy during its annual commemoration event on Sunday, Jan. 19. This signature MLK event highlights the institution’s deep roots in the civil rights movement and its commitment to equality and justice.
The ceremony at the Colden Auditorium in Flushing brought together leaders, students, and community members to reflect on Dr. King’s impact and renew the call for action in the fight against injustice.
Dr. King himself delivered the commencement address at Queens College in 1965, urging graduates to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. This connection adds special significance to the celebration, which coincides with MLK Day—observed annually on the third Monday of January. As the only federal holiday dedicated to an individual, MLK Day serves as a testament to King’s singular influence on American history.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was among the notable speakers, emphasizing the college’s historical ties to the civil rights movement and its ongoing role in advancing King’s vision of equality and justice. “This institution has long been a symbol of opportunity and hope,” Richards said, recalling Dr. King’s visit to the campus nearly 60 years ago to honor Andrew Goodman, a Queens College student and civil rights activist killed during the Freedom Summer of 1964. “Dr. King’s teachings remain highly relevant today as we continue to combat racism, poverty, and war.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez also addressed the crowd, noting the significance of the event. “This celebration is rooted in Queens College’s commitment to social justice and its profound connection to Dr. King’s legacy,” he said.
Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League, received the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Award for her contributions to civil rights and community empowerment. In her speech, Rice reflected on the challenges facing marginalized communities today, including the erosion of voting rights and attacks on civil liberties. “Dr. King worked for a reality that no one had ever experienced,” Rice said. “His life is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and committed to justice, even when progress feels uncertain.”
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado emphasized the core of Dr. King’s philosophy: love and nonviolence. “Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to love in the face of hostility is a lesson for us all,” Delgado said. He called on the audience to confront societal challenges with the same militant dedication to compassion that King embodied.
The program included a tribute video highlighting Queens College’s role in the civil rights movement, featuring archival footage of Dr. King’s 1965 commencement address at the college. The Branford Marsalis Quartet closed the event with a performance celebrating the unity and resilience championed by Dr. King.
Queens College President Frank H. Wu expressed pride in the college’s ongoing commitment to King’s ideals. “Educational institutions like ours play a pivotal role in cultivating leaders who are ready to challenge injustice and build a better future,” Wu said.
The event served as a reminder of Dr. King’s enduring message: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As attendees left the auditorium, they were encouraged to embody King’s principles in their daily lives, continuing the fight for equality and justice.
