SMU’s ‘Dream Week’ to honor life, legacy

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 

By Stephen Fashoro

SMU will honor the life, legacy and influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the University’s annual Dream Week celebration with a series of events planned to honor Dr. King’s legacy. 

The holiday recognizing King has special significance for SMU. The civil rights leader spoke at the University on March 17, 1966 after accepting an invitation from the Student Senate. A Texas Historical Commission marker was installed in 2023 at SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium to recognize the significance of the event. 

This year, Dream Week will be centered around the theme, “With This Faith,” which originates from a quote from King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech that was shared in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 

The following events are scheduled to occur during Dream Week:

 Annual Unity Circle Ceremony

Wednesday, Jan. 21, noon to 1 p.m., Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballroom

Jessica Dixon Weaver, professor of law at SMU’s Dedman School of Law, will share remarks as student representatives from the Association of Black Students and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, senior-level administrators, faculty, staff and students will gather to honor King’s ongoing legacy. This event is free and open to the public. Participants interested in attending are encouraged to register at smu360.smu.edu.   

A Long Way: Dr. Martin Luthur King, Jr. 60th Anniversary SMU Visit Commemoration

Thursday, Jan. 22, 6-8 p.m., McFarlin Auditorium  

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of King’s visit to SMU, students, faculty, staff and the local community are invited to a two-part event in McFarlin Auditorium, where King spoke on March 17, 1966 giving a nearly one-hour speech to a standing room only audience about “The Future of Integration.”

The first part will provide historical context, showcasing documents and photos that chronicled his visit, as well as archived high-quality audio excerpts from his speech that night.

The second portion is a moderated panel discussion featuring local clergy who will reflect on the significance of King’s visit and speech in 1966, as well as the relevance of his message today. The moderator is Richie Butler ’93, senior pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and SMU Board of Trustees member. This event is free and open to the public. 

Lunch and Learn featuring Jerry Hawkins

Friday, Jan. 23, noon to 1 p.m., Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber

Jerry Hawkins, a renowned artist, educator, archivist, historian, futurist, presidential leadership scholar and Emmy Award-winning executive producer will discuss the KERA video series he executive produced and narrated, “Recovering the Stories: Exploring the History and Resilience in Dallas Communities.” The video series chronicles different neighborhoods and significant events from across Dallas, tracing the impacts on Black, indigenous and people of color communities from the past to present. This event is free and open to the public. 

 In addition, SMU will participate in the 2026 City of Dallas MLK Parade on Monday, Jan. 19.