In 2005, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute was created to provide an institutional home for a broad range of activities illuminating the Nobel Peace laureate’s life and the movements he inspired. The Institute’s endowment supports programs that serve as an enduring link between Stanford’s research resources and King’s dream of global peace with social justice.

For more information, view our promotional brochure, available in both low-resolution and high-resolution.

Clayborne Carson is a professor of history at Stanford University and founding director of the King Institute. Dr. Clayborne Carson has devoted his professional life to the study of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the movements King inspired.

On January 13, friends and supporters joined the King Institute at Tresidder Union for our annual King Holiday Celebration. Guests were entertained at the opening reception by the Chicago Collective, with Stanford student musicians Jessica Anderson, Kadesia Woods and Tyler Brooks; and jazz saxophonist Waveney Hudlin. The following program featured a recap of highlights from the past year, including the recently dedicated King National Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the production in the Palestinian territories of “Passages of Martin Luther King,” a play written by Institute director Clayborne Carson. A dramatic reading in Arabic and English of Unfulfilled Dreams from the play, with noted local actor Aldo Billingslea of Santa Clara University and Palestinian actor Ramzi Maqdisi (who portrayed Martin in the Palestinian production) with fellow cast members Aleta Hayes of Stanford Dance Division and alumna Chelsi Butler as the choir, received a standing ovation from the audience. A trailer of a film documenting the production was shown by Connie Field of Clarity Films. During the program, the audience was also moved and excited by extraordinary performances by internationally acclaimed vocalist Kim Nalley, accompanied by celebrated jazz pianist Tammy Hall. 2012 Call to Conscience Awards, which each year recognizes those who have honored and helped preserve the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., were presented to photojournalist and civil rights activist Bob Fitch, whose photos were exhibited in the Tresidder Union lounge through February; Aldo Billingslea; Ramzi Maqdisi; Aleta Hayes; and Chelsi Butler. The program concluded with all attending joining hands and hearts in singing We Shall Overcome.

Each year the Institute holds an annual King Conference on Peace with Social Justice.

In June 2007, the King Institute and the National Theatre Company of China staged the international premiere of the play Passages of Martin Luther King in Beijing, China.