Syracuse University will again honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in less than two weeks, and the keynote speaker will make this year’s event extra special.

In 1961 and 1965, the civil rights giant spoke at Syracuse University.

Now, his son, Martin Luther King III, will join the university for the annual celebration honoring his father on Jan. 30.

“People have been asking how you landed Martin Luther King Jr., and my answer is a lot of prayers,” said Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel.

The event is virtual, free and open to all.

“So, especially this year, the hard work is, how do we do this in a way that most importantly considers the safety of our campus community during COVID-19,” Konkol said.

King’s connection to Syracuse University is not only his speeches, but his classmate Dr. Charles Willy, the very first Black-tenured professor at the university.

Willy passed only a few days ago.

“This year’s celebration is, in many ways, a tribute to Dr. Willy and his tremendous efforts here, so to have Martin Luther King III speak at a time when we wish to bring special attention to Dr. Willy’s contributions on campus, it’s quite special,” Konkol said.

Others who will be recognized are the community’s unsung heroes.

“Those individuals who stood for what Dr. King stood for, and are doing the work of social justice and peace and harmony around this world and the community that we’re living in,” said Marisa Willingham manager of Intercultural Collectives.

A selection committee put out a call to the entire campus to nominate people who give their time to the community. A total of 156 people were nominated, but the honorees haven’t been released to the public yet.

“They’re very humble and grateful for the opportunity to get recognized,” Willingham said.

The theme this year is “We Are Part of the Dream,” a notion that King’s message still applies to contemporary times.

“This is an important event and we really do believe that by hearing from the speakers and joining in this digital way, we can truly make the world a better place,” Konkol said.