Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, prominent minister and civil rights leader, will deliver the keynote address titled “Creating a New Legacy - 40 years later,” on Friday, Jan. 18, during Wayne State University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute luncheon.

The luncheon, commemorating the slain civil rights leader, will begin at noon at the Max M. Fisher Music Hall located at 3711 Woodward Ave. and Parsons Street in Detroit. Space is limited and reservations are required. Tables of 10 are available for $300 and individual tickets are $35 each. For more information and reservations, call (313) 577-0701. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to “Adopt a Classroom” program.

Adams is one the most sought after speakers in the United States and has been called one of the country’s greatest black preachers by Ebony magazine. He serves as the first William and Lucille Nickerson Professor of the Practice of Ethics and Ministry for Harvard Divinity School (HDS). As an acclaimed preacher, Adams is an expert on ministry and urban revitalization, and has served as senior pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist in Detroit since 1969.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Adams has served as president of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and holds memberships on numerous boards across the United States, including the National Council of Churches and the board of Morehouse College.

On the global scene, Adams has been integral to the World Council of Churches’ efforts to combat racism around the world, and in this regard addressed the United Nations on South African apartheid. In 1994, he accompanied President Bill Clinton to Jordan to witness the signing of the peace accord between Jordan and Israel.

Adams also holds honorary doctorates from many American institutions including Morehouse, Dillard University and Tuskegee University.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.