Dr. King's Legacy

Dr. King and K-State: A Connection, A Legacy

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a nationally known civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, visited Kansas State University on Jan. 19, 1968. During his visit, he met with President John McCain and spoke to an audience of students, faculty, staff and community members about civil rights, social activism and race relations. As he delivered his address, he advocated for nonviolent approaches to remedy social tensions and advance the health of the country. Dr. King focused on encouraging students to find peace in the nation and lead the American society into the future. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but his message lives on as a legacy for future generations striving for good in the world.

The Kansas State University community is proud of our connection to Dr. King and has many resources about his message, visit and impact available below. Peruse the PDFs of local newspaper articles, photos, yearbook entries and other materials that showcase Dr. King's legacy at K-State.

All hard copies can be found at the Kansas State University Archives in Hale Library on the Manhattan campus.

Dr. King's Visit to K-State

Explore newspaper articles, photographs and other media from Dr. King's 1968 visit to campus. K-State students, faculty, staff and community were moved by his presence, words and ideals. To listen to Dr. King's university speech, please visit the Kansas State University Archives in Hale Library on the Manhattan campus.

View the documents related to Dr. King's visit

His Message Lingers - K-Stater, 2004 (pdf)

Civil Rights Service Letter - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

Integration's Past, Future Subject of Talk by King - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

King at podium, looking forward - picture (pdf)

King at podium, looking up - picture (pdf)

King brings message of solidarity to K-State - The Collegian, 1986 (pdf)

King discusses civil rights in final public collegiate speech - The Collegian, 2007 (pdf)

King Next in Series of Top Speakers At K-State, 1968 (pdf)

King speaking at podium - Royal Purple, 1968 (pdf)

King speaking with President McCain, 1968 (pdf)

King to Speak in January - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

Lawyer recalls Dr. King visit - The Topeka Capital Journal, 2007 (pdf)

Living History: King's 1968 campus visit still remembered - The Collegian, 2000 (pdf)

Martin Luther King Argues for Human Rights - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

Martin Luther King Set for Convocation in Ahearn at 10 a.m. - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

My Day with Dr. King at Kansas State University - William W. Boyer of the University of Delaware, 2011 (pdf)

President McCain's Introduction of Dr. Martin Luther King - Statements, 1968 (pdf)

MLK at K-State - Speech Transcript, The Future of Integration

Reflections

The K-State and Manhattan communities reflect on how far this country and the world have come. Learn more about the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in developing an accepting and inclusive society.

View the documents on reflection

King: Belafonte wanted to sell 3 documents, 2009 (pdf)

King Death Stuns Nation - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

King Killed in Memphis - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

King Killed in Memphis, King Slaying Breeds Unrest - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

King's death ignited riots, celebration - The Collegian, 1993 (pdf)

Writer felt King doomed - The Collegian, 1968 (pdf)

The King Legacy

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy continues today, more than 40 years after his untimely death. He was a guiding force for social change in his fight for civil rights and racial equality. Peruse the resources that show how K-State students, faculty and staff keep his memory alive and advance his vision of equality for all.