Since 1986, America has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through observances that teach, excite, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Southeast Missouri State University held a memorial breakfast to honor Dr. King from 1999-2005. In 2006, King’s eldest son, Martin Luther King III, was invited to be the keynote speaker for the first campus celebration dinner. The 2006 dinner initiated a new tradition that continues to garner growing involvement by students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community members from the southeast Missouri region and beyond.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Dinner is a University tradition shared with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members from southeast Missouri and beyond. It celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for this year’s event is “Against All Odds, Through Courage & Resilience.” Southeast alumnus and attorney Zaki Ali will present the keynote address at Southeast Missouri State University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner January 23 at the Show Me Center.
Zaki Ali’s academic journey was far from effortless. Throughout elementary and high school, he was placed in special education programs and scored a mere seven on the ACT. However, his mother believed in his intelligence, and after testing revealed he had dyslexia, it became clear that he faced unique challenges. Despite these struggles, Ali carved out an impressive educational career.
He began his studies at a community college in Price, Utah, where he spent two years before transferring to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). In 1987, he earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies. During his time at SEMO, Ali was also a student-athlete, playing football under the guidance of Bob Smith, who had previously coached him in high school. Three years later, he achieved a Master of Arts in human resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Ali began his career as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly and Company. He worked for six years before his career was halted by tragedy when his mother was wrongfully indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced to federal prison. This ignited a new determination, and Ali made the decision to return to school once again.
“I couldn’t change what happened to her,” Ali said. “But the experience motivated me to pursue a law degree to help prevent such tragedies happening to others.”
He enrolled at Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University and graduated in 1998. For over 22 years, he has dedicated his career to practicing criminal defense, personal injury, and immigration law, using his experiences to advocate for justice and support those in need.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the dinner scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at semo.edu/mlk or (573) 651-2626.
