Roger L. Gregory, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, will serve as the keynote speaker as Randolph-Macon College celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16, 2023 at noon inside the Center for the Performing Arts’ Blackwell Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Roger L. Gregory

Gregory is the first African American to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which includes the states of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Gregory was nominated to the seat on the federal appellate court via a recess appointment by President Bill Clinton on Dec. 27, 2000, then was re-nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate on July 20, 2001. Gregory became Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit in July of 2016.

Gregory grew up in Petersburg, Va., and graduated from Virginia State University and the University of Michigan Law School. He was formerly a partner in the law firm of Wilder & Gregory and held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority of Richmond, President of the Friends Association for Children, and President of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. Additionally, he is a trustee emeritus for the University of Richmond.

Celebrating the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Each year, Randolph-Macon College celebrates the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by inviting a distinguished speaker to campus to commemorate King’s birthday. Previous speakers have included former Virginia Governor and Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, Pastor and Civil Rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker, former Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, entrepreneur Shelia Johnson, former Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia Maurice Jones, Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, former acting president at Virginia Union University, and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.

Take the First Step

Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the RMC community are encouraged to participate in Take the First Step, a virtual challenge to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. From Jan. 13-16, we invite participants to track their steps as a tribute to Dr. King, who encouraged the world to move forward, even when the path ahead seemed daunting or unclear. Participants can register for the virtual challenge as individuals or as a team and log their own steps, and see the progress of the community.