MIT's MLK Celebration: Embracing 'Infinite Hope' in Challenging Times

At MIT's 52nd annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, Dean of Engineering Paula Hammond delivered a stirring keynote address that resonated deeply with an audience of hundreds gathered at Walker Memorial. In a time marked by division and uncertainty, Hammond's message of resilience and determination offered a powerful reminder of the importance of community, mentorship, and unwavering hope.

A Message of Resilience and Community

Hammond, who was recently named dean of MIT's School of Engineering, framed her remarks around this year's thematic quotation from King: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." Drawing from her own experiences and observations, she emphasized that each member of the MIT community has a vital role to play in shaping a better future.

"We each have a role to play in contributing to our future, and we each must embrace endless hope and continuously renew our faith in ourselves to accomplish that dream," Hammond told the audience. She elaborated on the various ways individuals can support one another: "Whether it is through caring for those in our community, teaching others, providing inspiration, leadership, or critical support to others in their moment of need, we provide support for one another on our journey."

Leadership in Action

The celebration featured remarks from multiple speakers who embodied the spirit of King's legacy through their own work and reflections. Michael Ewing '27, a mechanical engineering major who helped host the event, spoke about the vital importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity. "Dr. King's hope constitutes the belief that one can make things better, even when current conditions are poor," Ewing explained. "In the face of adversity, we must remain connected to what's most important, be grateful for both the challenges and the opportunities, and hold on to the long-term belief that no matter what, there's an opportunity for us to learn, grow, and improve."

Senior Oluwadara Deru, the featured undergraduate speaker, reflected on the sacrifices made by those who fight for greater good. "Everyone that has fought for a greater good in this world has left the battle without something that they came with," Deru observed. "But what they gained is invaluable."

Graduate student Ekua Beneman connected the celebration's themes to academic life and mentorship. "Hope is not pretending disappointment doesn't exist," Beneman said. "Hope is choosing to pass forward what was once given to you. At a place like MIT, infinite hope looks like mentorship. It looks like making space. It looks like sharing knowledge instead of guarding or gatekeeping it."

Recognizing Excellence and Service

The event also honored recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who exemplify King's values through their service and leadership. This year's recipients included Melissa Smith PhD '12, Fred Harris, Carissma McGee, Janine Medrano, and Edwin Marrero.

A Time for Unity

MIT President Sally Kornbluth opened the celebration by acknowledging the challenging context in which it took place. "This year's event is occurring during a time when feeling fractured, isolated, and pitted against each other feels exhaustingly routine. A time when it's easy to feel discouraged," she noted. "The solace we take from [coming together at this event] couldn't be more relevant now."

Kornbluth also took time to laud Hammond's accomplishments and character. As a chemical engineer who has made groundbreaking contributions to polymer science and nanoscale materials, Hammond has received numerous honors including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, MIT's Killian Award, and election to all three national academies. But beyond her scientific achievements, Kornbluth emphasized Hammond's commitment to openness and respect.

"I've never met anyone who better represents MIT's highest values and aspirations than Paula Hammond," Kornbluth said. "Paula has been a longtime champion of MIT's culture of openness to people and ideas from everywhere. In fact, it's hard to think of anyone more open to sharing what she knows — and more interested in hearing your point of view. And the respect she shows to everyone — no matter their job or background — is an example for us all."

The Power of Small Acts

Denzil Streete, associate dean and director of the Office of Graduate Education, spoke about how hope manifests in everyday actions within the MIT community. "Hope lies in small, often uncelebrated acts," Streete explained. "Showing up. Being present. Responding with patience. Translating complicated processes into next steps. Making one more call. Sending one more email."

He encouraged the audience to view their daily work as moral work, emphasizing that "every day, through joy and care, we choose infinite hope, for our students, and for one another."

Looking Forward with Optimism

Hammond concluded her address by acknowledging the turbulence in the world while emphasizing the progress that can be made through intentional community action. She expressed profound optimism about MIT's role in addressing global challenges.

"The commitment of our faculty, students, and staff to continuously learn, to ask deep questions and to apply our knowledge, our perspectives and our insights to the biggest world problems is something that gives me infinite hope and optimism for the future," Hammond said.

The celebration also featured musical performances by the recently reconstituted MIT Gospel Choir, adding a powerful emotional dimension to the event. The choir's performances, along with the thoughtful remarks from speakers across the MIT community, created a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of King's message.

As the event concluded, the central message was clear: in times of disappointment and division, the MIT community can find strength and direction through the principles of hope, mentorship, and collective action that Martin Luther King Jr. championed throughout his life. By embracing these values and supporting one another, the community can continue to make meaningful progress toward a more just and equitable future.