PJ Morton to headline 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration

The Division of Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access has announced several events to celebrate the 43^rd annual 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Month, with PJ Morton headlining this year's events.

"Clemson's annual MLK Commemorative Celebration is more than just a tradition-it's a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to honor Dr. King's legacy through reflection, service, and community," said Rebecca Harkless, Director of the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center.

"From our roots as a student-led initiative in 1982 to the multi-day experience it is today, this celebration continues to bring our campus and community together in meaningful ways."

A soul singer, songwriter, performer and producer based in New Orleans, Morton is a five-time GRAMMY award winner and 20-time nominee who has earned multiple BET, Soul Train and NAACP Image Awards nominations. On top of running his record label, Morton Records, and serving as Maroon 5's full-time keyboardist for the past 14 years, he has collaborated with multiple hip-hop and R&B artists, including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste, Nas, Lil Wayne, JoJo, Yebba, Jill Scott and many others.

In 2024, Morton became the first Black composer to write an original song for a Disney attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, now open at Disney World and coming soon to Disneyland. Morton also wrote the closing song for Regina King's Netflix film Shirley and is working on music for an unannounced Dr. Seuss series. He also released Cape Town to Cairo, an album entirely written, recorded and produced during a 30-day trip across Africa, and published a new book titled Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, which was released November 12.

"Morton's music, storytelling, and commitment to social impact beautifully reflect the spirit of Dr. King's work. We can't wait to share this experience with our campus community."

More information about the celebration, events, and registration links can be found on the Gantt Center website.

MLK Celebration Events

Saturday, 1.18.25 | Day Trip
Departing at 6 a.m.
Charleston, SC

The Gantt Center is excited to offer the opportunity to participate in the 2025 MLK Civil Rights Day Trip to Charleston, South Carolina. This one-day trip will include a visit to the International African American Museum, where participants engage with exhibits that highlight the significant contributions of African Americans throughout history. After the museum visit, there will be time for a group dinner before we return to campus, aiming to arrive by 10 p.m. To attend the trip, please complete this application and submit your payment of $20. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, 1.20.25 | Day of Service
8:30 a.m.
Hendrix Student Center Ballrooms and Various Community Agencies

The MLK Day of Service is intended to be a day "on" to celebrate MLK's legacy and support his belief in creating a beloved community. Participants will serve with six community partners in Clemson, Central, Pendleton and Anderson. Breakfast and transportation will be provided. Transportation will be provided to and from the service sites. Breakfast is provided and registration is required to attend. Register here.

Tuesday, 1.21.25 | 43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Keynote Program
6:00 p.m.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
Speaker: PJ Morton

The Commemorative event will include Keynote speaker PJ Morton, a soul singer, songwriter, performer and producer based in New Orleans. He is a five-time GRAMMY award winner and 20-time nominee who has earned numerous BET, Soul Train and NAACP Image Awards nominations. The MLK Excellence in Service Awards will also be awarded. The event is open to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-served.

Wednesday, 1.22.25 | Table for Eight: Interfaith Community Dinner
6 p.m.
Barnes Center

Following Gandhi was King's first step on a long journey of learning about shared values across various worldviews and partnering with faith leaders of all backgrounds in the struggle for civil rights. Celebrate the interfaith and coalition-building legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the community. Table for Eight will feature dinner and facilitated discussions. Register here.