Since 1986, America has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through observances that teach, excite, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
From 1999-2005, Southeast Missouri State University held a memorial breakfast to honor Dr. King. In 2006, King's eldest son, Martin Luther King III, was invited to be the keynote speaker for the first campus celebration dinner. The 2006 dinner initiated a new tradition that continues to garner growing involvement by students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community members from the southeast Missouri region and beyond.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Thank you for your interest in attending this celebratory dinner! If you would like to purchase a ticket, table or sponsorship, please select one of the following options.
Against All Odds, Through Courage and Resilience
- Thursday, January 23, 2025
- Show Me Center
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Program begins at 6 p.m.
About the Speaker: Zaki Ali
Zaki Ali’s academic journey was far from effortless. Throughout elementary and high school, he was placed in special education programs and scored a mere seven on the ACT. However, his mother believed in his intelligence, and after testing revealed he had dyslexia, it became clear that he faced unique challenges. Despite these struggles, Ali carved out an impressive educational career.
He began his studies at a community college in Price, Utah, where he spent two years before transferring to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). In 1987, he earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies. During his time at SEMO, Ali was also a student-athlete, playing football under the guidance of Bob Smith, who had previously coached him in high school. Three years later, he achieved a Master of Arts in human resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Ali began his career as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly and Company. He worked for six years before his career was halted by tragedy when his mother was wrongfully indicted, tried, convicted, and sentenced to federal prison. This ignited a new determination, and Ali made the decision to return to school once again.
“I couldn’t change what happened to her,” Ali said. “But the experience motivated me to pursue a law degree to help prevent such tragedies happening to others.”
He enrolled at Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University and graduated in 1998. For over 22 years, he has dedicated his career to practicing criminal defense, personal injury, and immigration law, using his experiences to advocate for justice and support those in need
MLK Celebration Past Speakers
Since 2006, celebrated guest speakers have come to Southeast Missouri State University to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the first being King's eldest son, Martin Luther King III. Check out some of our other previous speakers.
Each year, the Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK) Celebration Planning Committee plans, organizes, and executes the annual dinner as well as other campus and community-wide activities on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
| MLK Planning MEMBERS | Title |
|---|---|
| Tonya Wells | Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications |
| Dana Saverino |
Director of Experience Marketing |
| Tammy Underwood | Executive Assistant, Office of Equity Initiatives and Dean of Students |
| Special Projects | Title |
|---|---|
| Ms. Taylor Johnson | Events Supervisor, Show Me Center |
| Ms. Chistie McIntosh | Catering Director, Chartwells |
| Ms. Amy Clippard | Campus Sous Chef, Chartwells |
The Will to Do
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701