Story #68: Martin Luther King Jr. Visits Harvard and PBHA in 1965

In January 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made a significant visit to Harvard, thanks to the efforts of Burt Ross, then President of the Harvard-Radcliffe Young Democratic Club. During Dr King’s visit, he made a presence at PBHA.

At the time, Dr. King had recently won the Nobel Peace Prize and was preparing for the pivotal march on Selma. When Burt Ross invited him to speak, he was honored but also acutely aware of the gravity of the moment. Dr. King flew to Boston alone, with no security detail, a reflection of the simpler times and the trust he felt in the community where he had once studied.

Ross picked Dr. King up at Logan Airport and drove him to Cambridge in his Chevy Monza. Their day together was marked by warmth and candid conversation. Dr. King spoke to approximately 1,000 students at Rindge Tech High School, as no auditorium at Harvard was large enough to accommodate the crowd. His message of equality and justice resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many to engage in the civil rights movement.

After the event, Dr. King took a brief rest at Ross's home before continuing his journey. When the day ended, Ross drove him to the train station, where Dr. King boarded a train back to New York City—once again alone.

Reflecting on this encounter, Ross recalls how Dr. King’s humility and dedication left a lasting impression. Tragically, just over three years later, Dr. King would be assassinated at the age of 39. His visit to Harvard serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the power of dialogue in shaping a better future.

Burt Ross’s efforts to bring Dr. King to PBHA not only enriched the Harvard community but also inspired future generations to continue the work of Dr. King.

Read more about Burt Ross’s experience hosting MLK Jr. in his article here.