Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture

Join us for our annual signature event—a culturally enriching and thought-provoking afternoon dedicated to reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, we are honored to welcome Columbia Journalism School Dean and Peabody Award-winning journalist Jelani Cobb.

His powerful insights are drawn from his deep experience as a historian, journalist, and public intellectual—blending storytelling with scholarship to illuminate the past and chart a path toward a more just future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most incisive commentators of our time as he reflects on Dr. King's enduring impact—and the work that still lies ahead.

Jelani Cobb will be signing copies of his book "Three or More Is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here: 2012-Present "at 3:45 pm, and will be available for purchase while supplies last, through the Friends of Main Library.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture is sponsored by Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Eta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Community Action Akron Summit.

The auditorium doors open at 1:30 pm and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking is available in the High Street parking deck on weekends.

The discussion will be moderated by Leon Bibb.