Virginia State University (VSU) President Dr. Makola M. Abudullah will be the keynote speaker at Southside Virginia Chapter VSU Alumni Association’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon set for noon Jan. 14 at Prince Edward County Middle School in Farmville.

The celebration is held annually to commemorate King’s legacy and to keep alive his dream of freedom, equality and justice for all, according to organizers.

Abdullah became VSU’s 14th president on Feb. 1, 2016, and will be formally inaugurated the week of March 19-25.

Chapter officials said they are fortunate to have Abdullah on hand to “reference the historical and proud legacy of King. Also, Abdullah will speak about the proud legacy of Virginia State University and the positive educational and personal development opportunities the school offers.”

Organizers said the event will provide opportunities for future college students, their parents and others to gain first-hand knowledge about the university’s academic and social programs and the benefit of being of the school family.

The Southside Chapter of the VSU Alumni Association is composed of individuals who have attend or who support the university. The local chapter’s purpose is to promote scholars and encourage prospective college students to attend VSU. The Jan. 14 event will also provide interested individuals the opportunity to join the VSU Alumni Association.

For ticket and other information, call Mary Reed at (434) 392-6350, Dr. Odessa Pride at (434) 223-1255 or Barbara Marshall at (804) 561-3651.