Preview
Contributor
Tate Archives & Special Collections
Contributor Institution
Illinois Wesleyan University
Creation Date
Winter 2-10-1966
Document Type
Image
Description
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Illinois Wesleyan's campus in 1961 and 1966, this had a huge impact on the culture. Dr. King expressed his message of nonviolent social change and this reflected the university’s engagement with the civil rights movement. “After winning a Nobel Peace Prize, he returned to the campus in the Main Lounge of the Memorial Student Center, advocating peaceful movement toward racial equality” (p. 178).
Primary Source Analysis
The audio and visuals show Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking and influencing educators and students. Illinois Wesleyan University student organization, Religious Activities Commission, invited Dr. King to our campus twice. His first visit occurred on February 14, 1961. His second visit occurred in Fall Semester of 1966, just two years after he received the Nobel Peace Prize. The audio recording allows listeners to relate to MLK's words. In addition to academic hardship, they provide historical context for the challenges Black students could have faced at the time. Some graduating seniors during the time of MLK's speech: Josephine Chiza, S. Rhodesia (p. 202), Miriam Stewart, Chicago (p.198), Norris Tapp, Chicago Heights (p.198), Art Wilson, New Jersey (p. 203). This promotes discussion on civil rights, the cultural impact of MLK's speeches on campus, and its impact on IWU's nursing school. IWU was recently starting a new nursing program in Stevenson Hall at this time. Despite other colleges and nursing schools at the time, IWU's inclusive atmosphere and recent visits by MLK enabled the nursing program to be inclusive to all races.
Rights
For rights information, contact Tate Archives & Special Collections at archives@iwu.edu
Source
“Illinois Wesleyan University - Continuity Change 1850-2000., pages 177-178 and oral history of MLK's speeches" "Class of 1966 Yearbook., page 159" "Class of 1967 Yearbook., pages 198, 202-203"
Keywords
MLK, Diversity, Inclusion, IWU, School of Nursing, Stevenson Hall