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MELVIN ROGERS HIGHLIGHTS KNOX COLLEGE ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CONVOCATION

Knox College Convocation and community events honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.

by Knox College Athletic Communications

Galesburg, IL (01/12/2026) — Knox College will host its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation-an event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King-at 11 a.m. on January 19, 2026, at Knox College's Harbach Theatre in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts.

This year's Convocation speaker is Melvin L. Rogers, the Edna and Richard Salomon Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brown University.

"Melvin Rogers gave our Constitution Day lecture in 2020 virtually. We're delighted to have the opportunity to welcome him to campus in person," Associate Professor of Political Science Thomas Bell said. "He's a political scientist at Brown University and a visiting fellow in the School of Civic Life and Leadership at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill."

Rogers' latest book, The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought (Princeton University Press, 2023), was widely acclaimed and the recipient of three disciplinary awards in political science. His address, titled, "Democracy and Faith in Dark Times," builds on this previous work and touches on the importance of freedom and equality in American life.

"Given our current political moment, especially as our institutions are under strain in various ways, we need to think about what can fortify us in these dark times of erosion," Rogers said. "And my answer is faith-not necessarily in God, although that may work for some, but the twin values of freedom and equality as the foundation of our very existence. These values are matters of ultimate concern, and we must hold them dear and let our commitment to them orient us."

Along with the Convocation lecture, Knox College will host several events on and off campus throughout the day-all are open to the community.

The first event is Children's Reading Hour at the Galesburg Public Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by Knox College A.B.L.E. (Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality) students. This hour will feature stories exploring kindness, fairness, and the courage to do what is right, reflecting values inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

After the Children's Reading Hour, the events continue at 6:30 p.m. with a candlelight march. The public is invited to join the Knox community for a peaceful walk across campus in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will gather at Wilson House before walking together, reflecting on Dr. King's words: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." The march will end at the HOPE Center, where hot chocolate will be served as a gesture of warmth, reflection, and community. Battery-operated candles will be provided.

The evening concludes with the Knox College dance program's multi-media reflection on Dances for Social Change: The Legacy Project, at 8 p.m. in the College's Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts. The program will share its perspective, meaningful experiences, and footage of the project, highlighting community, social awareness, and cultural reflection.

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