Clarence B. Jones, the man behind Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speech, will give a presentation about issues from 50 years ago and their prevalence today.
James Schank
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“I have a dream …” begins what might be the most recognized speech in American history — and certainly in the civil rights movement. Most people know Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke those words, but most people don’t know much about the man who wrote them.
Clarence B. Jones, former speechwriter, political adviser and close friend to Martin Luther King Jr. will present “The 21st Luther King,” on Oct. 29 touching on issues that defined King as a leader of a civil rights movement and their relevance to the modern world.
Jones’ presentation will refer to King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” to represent the reverend’s philosophy of action through non-violence.
“It’s a great honor to have someone of his caliber speaking to the students at Cal Poly,” said Annie Holmes, the executive director for campus diversity and inclusivity.
“He’s a historical figure, and a great man who is genuinely concerned about the status of our country,” she said.
Aside from playing an integral, albeit invisible, role in the war on segregation, Jones has accrued quite a list of accomplishments.
Jones, 82, earned his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, a Juris Doctorate from Boston University’s School of Law and holds several Honorary Doctorates.
Jones was the first black man to make partner at a Wall Street investment bank. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of San Francisco. He is also a scholar and, appropriately, a writer-in-residence at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Institute.
Jones, in addition to having a hand in King’s speechwriting and serving as his main political adviser, coordinated King’s legal defense and helped plan various public demonstrations to end segregation.
Over 50 years ago, Jones was working with King on the plans for the March on Washington.
On Tuesday, he’ll be speaking at Cal Poly. The presentation will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Advanced Technologies Laboratory (building 7).