Samuel Betances, a nationally known speaker on multiculturalism, race and ethnic relations will speak on campus Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Cable Center.

His appearance is one of several events marking the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Betances’ appearance is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and the Bridges to the Future program.

The multicultural office is also offering transportation to the “Marade,” a parade honoring Dr. King, that will be held downtown on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. Students interested in participating in the parade should contact the multicultural affairs office at 303.871.2942.

Betances’ speech is “Wake Up From the Dream” and will focus on ways of accepting, embracing and making diversity work in society today and “harnessing the rainbow.”

The title of the speech refers to the “I Have a Dream” speech King delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1963. The speech is considered King’s most famous address and the most eloquent.

Betances, who grew up in the poverty of the inner city, is a dynamic and compelling speaker. He received a doctorate from Harvard University and was honored a Professor Emeritus.

Betances is also a motivator and workshop leader. He has traveled to all 50 states, six U.S. territories and countries such as Japan, Korea, Germany and Mexico. He challenges and inspires audiences to aim high, disallow rejection and make sense of differences.

Stephanie Rivale, program contact/coordinator at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said that offering events like this is important because “Dr. King was an amazing man with an amazing message and we need to learn other points of views that are not mainstream.”