Keith Boykin, a nationally known political commentator and author, will serve as the keynote speaker for Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) 33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in the Student Center Auditorium.

Keith Boykin is notable for his recurring appearances on CNN where he weighs in on political matters and his platform is amplified through his activity on Twitter. His work consistently analyzes and challenges questionable policy and methodology affecting the world.

EMU will witness nine years of growth since the last time Keith visited EMU to deliver the keynote address for the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. In 2010, his motivational message encouraged listeners to free themselves of restrictive thinking and manifest their limitless abilities.

Himself a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith currently teaches at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York and continues to write.

A New York Times best-selling and Lambda Literary Award-winning author for his work includes: For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out, and Coming Home (2012); Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies, and Denial in Black America (2004); Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays (1999); and One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America (1996).

Keith is an expert in politics and policy due to over 25 years of learning and experiencing. Previously having served as a White House aide to President Bill Clinton, and has worked on over six political campaigns, including two Presidential campaigns.
Prior to CNN, he worked as a CNBC contributor, MSNBC commentator and BET columnist.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration keynote address will be located at 900 Oakwood St. Ypsilanti, Mich. Entry is free and open to the public. Due to limited auditorium seating, overflow seating will be available in Student Center Rm 310 A/B. 

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