2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture - Newark Public Library

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture

The James Brown African American Room at the Newark Public Library invites you to join us for our 2026 annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture!

This event is free and open to the public, registration is not required.

Thursday, January 15th, 2026 | 6 PM
Newark Public Library
James Brown African American Room, 2nd Fl.

Free offsite parking at 85 Orange St. Newark, NJ 07102

The 2026 Guest MLK Lecturer

Dr. Daniel Black

Dr. Daniel Black is a 30-year professor of African American Studies at Clark Atlanta University. He is also an award-winning novelist, activist, mentor and public speaker. Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, Black spent his formative years in rural Blackwell, Arkansas. He graduated from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) where he earned the prestigious Oxford Modern British Studies fellowship and studied abroad at Oxford University. He was then awarded a full fellowship to Temple University where he studied with Black Arts Movement poet laureate Sonia Sanchez and, in 1992, earned a Ph.D. in African American Studies. Dr. Black has spent the majority of his 30 academic years as a professor of African American Studies at his beloved alma mater, Clark Atlanta University.

Get Your Books Signed by Dr. Black

Purchase a copy of Dr. Black’s books at the event through Source of Knowledge, Newark’s Black-owned bookstore and community center. Your purchase directly supports their commitment to Black literature, learning, and community engagement.