NAACP president: 'Do well for yourself, do good for your neighbors'

"This was in the early 1990s," Johnson said. "I was in the room in the center of gravity in all of these conversations. I needed to understand what my role would be, and I'll say the same to you: You're not a passive observer. You have an obligation to do well for yourself and to do good for your neighbors."

He reminded the audience that King had once been a passive observer and joined what was a burgeoning movement in Birmingham, Alabama. "He was an ordinary individual who did extraordinary things," Johnson said.

After his presentation, Johnson joined Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, in a conversation.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of a partnership among GVSU, Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College to commemorate King's life and legacy. Johnson applauded that tradition, saying it's not easy to continue a partnership in the current political climate.