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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – A Knight-turned-double-Viking will return to Salem State University in February to serve as the university’s 2025 Black History Month keynote address.
Critically acclaimed comics creator and cartoonist Keith Knight ’90 ’22H will return to Salem State University Monday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 am to deliver a keynote address toward the close of the university’s Black History Month programming.
Knight’s return to campus comes toward the close of a robust month of programming for Black History Month at Salem State University. All events are open to the Salem State community as they celebrate and bring awareness to the histories, cultures, experiences, contributions, and futures of people of African descent across the diaspora.
Keith Knight returns for Feb. 24 keynote
Knight is the creator of the long-running autobiographical comic strip The K Chronicles, a widely circulated and syndicated strip first launched in the early ’90s. His socio-political single-panel cartoon (th)ink has graced the pages of both Black newspapers and websites, alt-weeklies, and more as well. In 2020, Knight’s life and comics became the inspiration of the Hulu comedy series Woke, for which Knight served as co-creator, writer, and executive producer.
Knight returned to campus in 2022, where he was an honorary degree recipient at Salem State’s commencement exercises for the College of Arts and Sciences held that May.
“Keith is so multi-faceted,” said Carlie Pierre, director of education and training in Salem State’s Inclusive Excellence office. “Any student, regardless of their identity, can connect with him and get aspired, as they try to figure out ‘where they’re supposed to be,’ or ‘know they can pursue their dreams using the talents and skillsets they have.’”
There is ample overlap between the lessons of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what allows Knight to connect with students in 2025, Pierre explained.
“Dr. King, in his early days, was a college student figuring out who he wanted to be. He joined a fraternity and was mentored by those who came before him” Pierre said. “Representation is something our Black and Brown students don’t see enough of. That’s what inspired Keith coming to campus – someone who isn’t just a speaker, someone who used to be in their shoes and can engage our students’ creativity, curiosity and attention.
“Our students can hold up someone who was a commuter student and started off in their shoes,” Pierre continued, of Knight. “And he too has since evolved in a number of ways.”
Mike Mitchell ’07, Salem State’s director of engagement in the advancement office, said he’s thrilled to see Knight return to campus for another opportunity to connect with today’s students.
“Whenever alumni come back to campus, in any capacity, it’s a chance for students to meet someone who’s walked in their shoes and can help navigate the journey of life after college,” Mitchell said. “It’s always rewarding to hear about the successes achieved, adversities overcome, and how Salem State played a role in who they are today. We help students meet a moment when they get to meet industry professionals who are doing what they want to do. It unlocks doors of opportunity for them.”
Knight himself echoed those sentiments, highlighting the impact speakers had on him in his time as a student.
“It’s always a joy to return to Salem State; being asked to share my work and story is an honor and a privilege,” Knight said. “The various speakers that came to campus when I was a student helped me to get to where I am today.”
Student orgs fill out campus calendar
While Knight’s return to campus will certainly be a major event, several others led by student organizations fill out the rest of the month to provide students opportunities to get celebrate and observe the Black History Month. Visit this link for the full lineup of events.
Every Wednesday of February, celebrate Black History Month with the Black Student Union, Haitian Cultural Club, The Brotherhood, and Bold Empowered and Educated Sisters (BEES), during lunchtime hours in the North Campus Café and dinnertime hours at Marsh Dining Hall.
The Black Student Union will host three events in the Ellison Campus Center, beginning with Sweet Treats and Beats on Thursday, Feb. 13 in the MLK Room. The following Thursday, Feb. 20, the org will host Jeopardy Night in the ECC Metro. The following Friday night, Feb. 21, the org will host the Annual Black History Month Dinner in Veterans Hall. All three events begin at 6 pm.
Following Knight’s visit, Black Student Union will join BEES for “Let’s Talk About It: Hair and Skin Care,” held in the Ellison Campus Center’s MLK Room on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 pm.