‘In the presence of greatness’: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1960 speech at UNC

Posted Jan 13, 2022
As a UNC student in 1960, Oscar Brinson didn’t know much about Martin Luther King Jr. King, then 31, was still working his way to becoming the heralded civil rights leader we remember on the national holiday in his honor. But Brinson knew enough to be impressed. So when King came to Chapel Hill, Brinson made sure he was at Hill Hall for King's speech. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

‘Witness’ Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War
To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Wilson Library is hosting a new exhibition. “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” explores how...
Wed Aug 19, 2026

UNC students take first-day sips at the Old Well
It’s the first day of classes at Carolina, and as Tar Heels know, that means it’s also time to drink from the Old Well for...
Mon Aug 17, 2026

Nonprofit at UNC pairs those with chronic illnesses with a service dog
UNC’s chapter of Lux’s Purpose was founded this year. Service dogs cost as much as $50,000-$70,000, and there is not a single insurance plan that...
Sun Aug 16, 2026

UNC Gears Up for First Day of Classes
The Chapel Hill summer is wrapping up this weekend, as UNC students return to campus ahead of the first day of class on Monday. “It’s...
Sat Aug 15, 2026