Today’s commemoration for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will feature a different guest speaker than originally planned.

Michael Eric Dyson, author and scholar, was scheduled to give a keynote address on “Martin Luther King for the 21st Century.” But Steve Michael, vice provost for diversity, said his appearance had to be canceled because of illness.

Instead, George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service and BlackPressUSA.com, will give the keynote address, Michael said.

The program will take place in the Student Center Ballroom from 1 to 4 p.m.

Michael said Curry is just as prominent as Dyson “in his own rights,” and that the university is lucky to have him appear at such a last-minute notice.

Curry will be speaking about King’s life and legacy, Michael said.

“I think everyone should come because Martin Luther King is a good American story,” Michael said. “We are a nation that struggles through so many things, but in spite of that, we can produce someone like him.”

Michael will also be giving opening remarks at the commemoration. He said he will be speaking about the younger generation and how they embrace each other’s differences.

The commemoration will also include a video montage and musical presentation. The student organization Harambee will also present the winner of its Spoken Word Competition.

– Christina Stavale