Office of the President
Office of the President
Martin Luther King stands in front of a microphone, speaking to a large crowd

Let Freedom Ring

In 2003, President DeGioia expanded Georgetown’s Martin Luther King Day commemorations by founding the Let Freedom Ring Initiative. The goal of the initiative was to engage both the university community, along with our local DC neighbors, in meaningful dialogue around the work of Dr. King and the subsequent work that his mission inspired.

John J. DeGioia poses with Hawah Kasat. Both area holding the Legacy of a Dream award.
President DeGioia presents the 2019 Legacy of a Dream Award to Hawah Kasat, co-founder and executive director of One Common Unity.

John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award

The John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream award was established 2003. Named after its inaugural recipient, this award is presented annually to an individual or an organization whose contributions to community service or social justice reflects the values and ideal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Legacy of a Dream Award

Let Freedom Ring Celebration

Since 2003, Georgetown has partnered with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to host the annual Let Freedom Ring Celebration. The celebration is both an event where the Legacy of a Dream award winner is honored and a free musical tribute celebrating the legacy of Dr. King. The concert is led by Music Producer and Composer Nolan Williams, Jr., and has featured music legends such as Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Leslie Odom Jr.

Let Freedom Ring Celebration

Music can make people strong. And that strength can change the world.

John J. DeGioia
July 20, 2003

A large choir in blue robes sings, each with a fist in the air.

Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell sing, facing each other, on the Kennedy Center stage, backed by a choir.

Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell perform at the 2019 Let Freedom Ring concert. (Photo by Alex Edelman)

Leslie Odom, Jr. performs in front of a large choir on the Kennedy Center stage

Leslie Odom, Jr. performs with the Let Freedom Ring choir at the 2023 Celebration.

Serving the Community

Every year, Georgetown hosts an expanded set of events to celebrate, commemorate, and remember Martin Luther King, Jr.. These events bring together members of our university community and surrounding DC neighbors, fostering an environment of service to others in the spirit of King’s legacy.

Martin Luther King stands in front of a microphone, speaking to a large crowd

Teach the Speech

Faculty, staff, and students across the University annually participate in a cross-campus curricular initiative to study and reflect on on of Dr. King’s speeches or lectures.

Teach the Speech
A group of 15 students pose outside a building, wearing rubber gloves and holding garbage back, prepared for a clean up service project.

MLK Day of Service

Members of our Georgetown family give back to our local community in a variety of service projects.

A white man, three black men, and a black woman are seated and leading a panel discussion.

Public Dialogues

Georgetown University hosts a series of public dialogues, panel discussions, and lectures, reflecting our Jesuit values of cura personalis — care of the person — and being people for others.