This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The University of Utah says the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. will be the keynote speaker at its 2013 celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

"We feel very fortunate to have Rev. Jackson deliver the keynote address for this year's MLK celebration," U. president David W. Pershing said in a news release. "As a civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King, his presence will lend a special significance this year as we recognize the contributions and legacy of King."

Jackson, a civil rights activist, Baptist minister and two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, is slated to speak Jan. 24 at noon at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

The event is free, but tickets are required. The U.'s website says tickets are available at the Rice-Eccles Stadium main box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at http://www.utahtickets.com.

Other events during the weeklong conference, from Jan. 19-26, include panel discussions, cultural performances, a film screening, a march and parade and the 2013 Youth Leadership Awards.