2026 MLK Lecture in Social Justice and Award

January 20, 2026

Penn President J. Larry Jameson welcomed attendees to the 25th MLK Social Justice Lecture and Award Ceremony held at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.  Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee was honored for his commitment to social justice.  Lee participated in conversation with Heather Andrea Williams, the Geraldine R. Segal Professorship in American Social Thought, Professor of Africana Studies.  The MLK Jr. Social Justice Lecture & Award celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King, featuring a speaker of African descent who is distinguished for social justice advocacy. This event was co-sponsored by the Penn Office of the President, the Annenberg School for Communication, and the Annenberg Public Policy Center.

Penn Today news story.

See also the Penn President Flickr Gallery.

Photographs by Eddy Marenco.