Southeast Missouri State University honors MLK Day with inspiring celebration and keynote by Zaki Ali

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is honored globally as a minister and vocal proponent of civil rights and non-violent demonstrating in the United States.

America reveres him and celebrates his activism and good works Monday, Jan. 20, on the federal holiday that carries his name.

The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination by James Earl Ray at Memphs in 1968, according to Wiki.

US Pres. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986.

Some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays, Wiki stated.

Official observance in each state's law, as well as federal law, occurred in 2000.

Southeast Missouri State University's (SEMO) community gathers at 5:00 p.m. Thursday at the Show Me Center for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, according to The Arrow.

The annual event includes notable guest speaker Zaki Ali, and is hosted by the MLK Celebration planning committee, which includes SEMO faculty members Tonya Wells, Dana Saverino and Tammy Underwood.

Ali is a social justice advocate, according to The Arrow's reporting.

Despite Dyslexia creating challenges early in life, Ali earned a bachelor’s degree from SEMO in 1987 and his law degree in 1998.

Motivated by the wrongful conviction of his mother, Ali has spent more than 22 years practicing criminal defense, personal injury, immigration law and focused on social justice and advocacy.

The MLK Day tradition began with a memorial breakfast in 1986 and has evolved into the current celebration, marking a new chapter in the celebration of MLK’s life and impact, according to The Arrow.

Since then, the annual dinner has grown to include participation from faculty, alumni, students and the southeast Missouri community.

The celebration has a long history of notable speakers, including Martin Luther King III, singer/songwriter John Legend and U.S. District Court Judge Brian Miller, according to The Arrow.

Tickets are available for individual and table registration, sponsorship registration and may be purchased on SEMO’s website.

The MLK Day Celebration aims to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, while reminding attendees of the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.