Former U.S. Ambassador Rhodes Speaks About His Role in Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution continues its “One Person Can Make a Difference” lecture series with former U.S. Ambassador J. Steven Rhodes 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, in a virtual format.

Rhodes tells the behind-the-scenes story of how he inadvertently came to assume an instrumental role in the creation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national holiday. Rhodes has been credited by many, especially in the White House of that era, with his appeal to President Reagan to sign into law the King Holiday Bill, designating the third Monday of January as a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Currently an adjunct professor in the Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Department at California State University Dominguez Hills, Rhodes served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Republic of Zimbabwe under President George H.W. Bush.

The program and is free and the public is invited to watch on Zoom.

For more information call 410-219-2873.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.