(San Diego, Calif. – May 14, 2014) – On May 29, 2014, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) will commemorate the 50th anniversary of a historic speech given by the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Point Loma campus. Dr. King visited San Diego on May 29, 1964 as he traveled the country to gather support for the National Civil Rights Act which was to be signed into law later that year. Dr. King gave several speeches that day across the city of San Diego. The largest of these gatherings was in Golden Gymnasium located on the campus of what is now PLNU.
The event will be held at 2 PM on May 29th at the very site in Golden Gymnasium where Dr. King addressed an estimated crowd of 5,000. Since moving to the campus in 1973, PLNU has maintained a collection of memorabilia from the significant day in San Diego’s history. In 2006, through the support of PLNU alumni and campus departments, an interactive kiosk was constructed to memorialize the event. This kiosk will be re-dedicated as this milestone anniversary is celebrated to honor the memory of both Dr. King and the civil rights movement. San Diegans who were in attendance in 1964 will share their reflections and a plaque will be installed in Golden Gymnasium to commemorate the 50th anniversary.
Individuals who attended Dr. King’s speech in 1964 are encouraged to contact PLNU and are welcome to attend the event where they will be recognized. To confirm your attendance, please contact the Office of Diversity at (619) 849-2484 or email [email protected].
