I was honored to receive the 2025 MLK Humanitarian Award from New York University last night. In my remarks, I noted that to receive an award bearing Dr. King's name is both humbling and challenging for, in this critical moment, his legacy demands of us not mere words, but action and courage. 🧵
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As we gather during New York University's 20th annual celebration of MLK Week under the theme "Living the Legacy," to receive an award bearing Dr. King's name is both humbling and challenging, for his legacy demands of us not mere words, but action and courage.
In 1961, Dr. King stood in this university's halls, at its Bronx campus, speaking to our community about the moral imperative of civil rights.
From his jail cell, responding to criticism that he was protesting outside his personal geographic community, he wrote words that resonate powerfully today:
This university, my alma mater, where I found my voice as a scholar, leader, public servant, and policymaker, has chosen to silence voices of dissent.
NYU students exercising their constitutional right to protest have faced harsh punishment on this very campus.
Extremely well deserved