A Statement from Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Regarding Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Program
January 17, 2025
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) acknowledges recent concerns raised about the speakers scheduled to appear during our upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend program.
We understand and respect the gravity of these concerns. We strive to create a program that honors the legacy of Dr. King and fosters respectful dialogue about issues of social justice and human rights.
Dr. King was a great supporter of free speech and the right to express a diversity of views. It was only through the protection of the First Amendment that he was able to hold protests for racial justice—an extremely unpopular view at the time. At times, we must honor his legacy by engaging with our ideological adversaries rather than shutting them down.
We want to reaffirm:
Our commitment to Dr. King's vision: Eastern State remains dedicated to exploring themes of justice, reform, and human dignity, core to our mission as well as to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and respectful dialogue: We value a diverse range of perspectives and believe in fostering open and respectful conversations on complex social issues.
Museums serve a vital role in fostering understanding. We at ESPHS are committed to holding space for people of all backgrounds and viewpoints to learn from, and engage with, one another. The views of the speakers at this and all our events are solely their own.
We welcome questions and feedback. Please contact us at [email protected].
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