UMW Welcomes NAACP President for MLK Keynote Address Jan. 22

When Derrick Johnson takes the stage at the University of Mary Washington next week, his words are expected to resonate far beyond the walls of the event—and inspire those who hear him to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.

President and CEO of the NAACP since 2017, Johnson has spent decades advocating for justice, equality and the underserved. When he gives his speech on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and connects with the UMW community, Johnson said, he will delve into the importance of serving one’s neighbor, contributing to society and building and protecting America’s democracy.

The event, sponsored by Mary Washington’s NAACP College Chapter and Germanna Community College, will take place at 19 in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Free and open to the public, it serves as the focal point of a week-long celebration honoring King’s life and work.

“We all have a mutual obligation to support our neighbor and recognize that our collective uniqueness is our strength,” Johnson said. “Our uniqueness is our genius, and we should celebrate that genius.”

Johnson has dedicated her career to addressing inequality, fighting for justice for marginalized communities and looking out for each other. Under his leadership, the NAACP has revitalized its mission by launching effective campaigns that address inequities in health care, voting rights and technology.

His work has included the 2018 “Log Out” campaign, which called on Facebook to address misinformation targeting African Americans; the “We Are Done Dying” campaign in 2020, which highlighted racial disparities in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the establishment of a cabinet-level position in 2021 focused on racial justice.

When asked about his participation in the UMW event, Johnson shared his enthusiasm for engaging with students. “I always enjoy talking to students,” he said. “At this moment, we need to build the bench for more critical thinkers, and what better way to do that than to engage with students.”

Throughout his career, Johnson has become a respected figure on the national stage, often featured on CNN, MSNBC, CBS and other major outlets. His ability to address critical issues and propose actionable solutions has strengthened his reputation as an advocate for underserved groups.

For more information on Johnson’s keynote address and other activities throughout the week, visit UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center website.