April 4, 2018, will mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Is it possible to measure the progress of his legacy? Will it be measured by the ascension of Barack Obama to the White House, or the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and others?

Essayist and researcher Lasana O. Hotep will examine the life, legend and legacy of King in a Midwestern State University Artist-Lectures Series event at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, in Akin Auditorium. In his discussion, "Progress Is a Process: Dr. King's Legacy 50 Years Later," Hotep will take a critical look at key events of the past 50 years and provide insight and commentary through the lens of King's teachings and activism, and challenge attendees on ways to move forward during the next 50 years.

Hotep uses fact-based, witty multimedia presentations to inform and inspire individuals to think critically about society. He leverages his combined experience in media, business, and education to provide an informed perspective on history, culture and politics.

One of Hotep's most notable achievements is developing the nationally recognized African-American Men of Arizona State University program - a college readiness program designed for high school students in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The program has been the subject of doctoral dissertations and serves as a model for several institutions with initiatives for black males. He shared his programmatic insights with the Turning the Tassel Symposium at Morehouse College and has consulted with several colleges and universities on their black male enrichment programs. Hotep also serves as a faculty member of the Student African-American Brotherhood.

He is Dean of Student Equity at Skyline College in San Bruno, California.

In addition to the main evening lecture, Hotep will present a free workshop for educators and professionals at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, in Legacy Hall's Multipurpose Room. The workshop is titled "Teaching the Student, Not the Material: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy." Participants will engage in conversation about the value of considering students' backgrounds when delivering instruction and leave with strategies, vocabulary, and context for creating supportive learning environments.

The Artist-Lecture Series was established in 1964 to bring noted lectures and quality programs in the performing arts to the MSU campus and the Wichita Falls community.

Admission for the 7 p.m. lecture is $20 to general public; $18 for senior citizens, active-duty military, and MSU alumni; free to MSU students, faculty, and staff with ID. Tickets are available at the Clark Student Center Information Desk. For tickets or more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 940-397-7500 or student.affairs@msutexas.edu. 

*Revised in accordance with SB 17, Texas Legislature, 2023