Mary Frances Berry, a leader in the nation’s civil-rights, gender-equality and social-justice movements over the past four decades and professor of American social thought at the University of Pennsylvania, will present the keynote address at Southeast Missouri State University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner on Jan. 18 at the Show Me Center.

The theme of this year’s dinner is “Now is the time ... what will you do?”

Tickets for the general public are $20 each or $160 for a table and are on sale at www.semo.edu/mlk/dinner.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. Jan. 18, with the dinner scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., according to a news release from the university.

Ticket information also is available by calling (573) 651-2626.

An author, educator and historian, Berry served as chairwoman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, where she led the charge for equal rights and liberties for all Americans over the course of four presidential administrations, the university said in its news release.

A trailblazer for both women and African-Americans, Berry became the first woman of any race to head a major research university, serving at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Berry was one of the founders of the Free South Africa Movement.

Berry and her organization were instrumental in raising global awareness and helping end more than 40 years of apartheid.

Berry also served as assistant secretary for education in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

A prolific author, Berry’s books cover a range of subjects, from the history of constitutional racism in America to the politics of parenthood.

Her most recent book, “Power in Words: The Stories behind Barack Obama’s Speeches, from the State House to the White House,” offers insight and historical context for President Obama’s most memorable speeches.

Berry is the recipient of the Rosa Parks Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the President’s Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award and Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.