Answering the Call, Today and Always
Dear Thorobred Community,
Today, as we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we honor Dr. King’s life and legacy — and we do so with a meaningful Kentucky State University connection. On June 2, 1957, Dr. King came to Frankfort to deliver the Commencement address for Kentucky State College, as our University was known then. While the ceremony was held at a local high school to accommodate the large gathering, the significance of that moment belonged unmistakably to Kentucky State and to this community.
Dr. King spoke to the graduates at a time of great possibility and great uncertainty. He challenged them to understand education not as an endpoint, but as preparation for responsibility. Throughout his life and leadership, he urged students and institutions alike to pair intellectual growth with moral purpose, reminding the nation that “the time is always right to do what is right.” His message was clear then and remains clear now: progress does not come from standing still, and leadership requires both courage and care for one another.
That message resonates with us today. As a campus, we have been forthcoming about the challenges we face and steadfast in our commitment to face them together. Moving forward together means grounding our decisions in dignity, respect, and shared accountability. Dr. King often reminded the country that “human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable,” but requires sustained effort, compassion, and resolve. Those words remain instructive as we continue the work of healing, learning, and strengthening our community.
On this day of remembrance, I invite each of us — students, faculty, and staff — to reflect on the meaning of Dr. King’s voice echoing through Kentucky State’s history. Let us honor his legacy not only through reflection but also through action – by caring for one another, upholding our values, and committing ourselves, each day, to the steady work of building a stronger Kentucky State together.
With respect and gratitude,
Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
Kentucky State University