MIT Holds 52nd Annual MLK Celebration Luncheon

Dean of Engineering Paula Hammond delivers keynote address on embracing 'finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope'

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On February 11, 2026, MIT held its 52nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration luncheon in Walker Memorial. The event featured speeches from President Sally Kornbluth, Dean of Engineering Paula Hammond, and various students reflecting on Dr. King's legacy and the importance of maintaining hope in the face of challenges.

Why it matters

The annual MLK luncheon at MIT is an important tradition that brings the community together to honor Dr. King's life and teachings. This year's event took on added significance as the country faces increased polarization and societal challenges, underscoring the continued relevance of Dr. King's message of pursuing justice and equality through non-violent means.

The details

The luncheon featured remarks from President Kornbluth, who described the current state of the country as 'fractured, isolated, and pitted against each other.' She then introduced Dean Hammond, praising her for exemplifying MIT's values. Various students also gave speeches, with Oluwadara Deru '26 highlighting the costs of fighting for positive change and Ekua Beneman G discussing the importance of mentorship and accessibility in STEM. Director of the Office of Graduate Education Denzil Streete encouraged the audience to make 'infinite hope' a daily practice through small acts of care and community.

  • The 52nd annual MLK Celebration luncheon was held on February 11, 2026.
  • Hammond received her bachelor's degree and PhD in chemical engineering from MIT in 1984 and 1993, respectively, and joined the MIT faculty in 1995.

The players

Sally Kornbluth

The president of MIT who delivered opening remarks at the luncheon.

Paula Hammond

The Dean of Engineering at MIT who gave the keynote address, reflecting on her upbringing, experiences at MIT, and the significance of Dr. King's quote on 'finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope'.

Oluwadara Deru

An undergraduate student who gave a speech highlighting the costs of fighting for positive change and the importance of maintaining hope.

Ekua Beneman

A chemistry PhD student who shared her story about the impact of the MIT Summer Research Program on her academic career, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and mentorship in STEM.

Denzil Streete

The Director of the Office of Graduate Education who encouraged the audience to make 'infinite hope' a daily practice through small acts of care and community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The solace we all take from [the luncheon] could not be more relevant now.”

— Sally Kornbluth, President of MIT (thetech.com)

“It's this idea that we can never let fleeting setbacks stop us from moving forward. Let whatever setbacks that we face strengthen our resolve, not shatter it.”

— Michael Ewing, Emcee (thetech.com)

“Hope is choosing to pass forward what was once given to you at a place like MIT. Infinite hope looks like mentorship.”

— Ekua Beneman, Chemistry PhD student (thetech.com)

“Care is a sudden refusal to treat people like problems to be solved instead of human beings to be supported.”

— Denzil Streete, Director of the Office of Graduate Education (thetech.com)

“By the time I finished, I had grown in confidence and left MIT feeling [that] I could handle just about anything with time and energy.”

— Paula Hammond, Dean of Engineering (thetech.com)

The takeaway

This year's MLK luncheon at MIT underscored the continued relevance of Dr. King's message of pursuing justice and equality through non-violent means, even as the country faces increased polarization and societal challenges. The event's focus on embracing 'finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope' provided inspiration and guidance for the MIT community to stay resolute in their commitment to making positive change.