Martin Luther King day is right around the corner, and as a celebration of King’s life, Wes Moore, successful African-American author and self-proclaimed family man, shared his experiences with students.

Moore, who holds degrees from John Hopkins as well as Oxford University, wrote a New York Times bestseller. In the eyes of those who brought him forth, he exemplifies what King sought possible for American minorities.

“One of the things that he does, is he gives back to the community, he inspires social change and he inspires other people to make changes in the world around them,” Sheila Smith McKoy , Director of the African American Cultural Center said.

Smith Mckoy explained that Moore was the exact type of person that Martin Luther King Jr . would have given accolades to.

“[Moore] was really an ideal person to have for the event,” Smith McKoy said.

As Moore explained himself, King prided himself on action. This is a trait Moore himself understands well. Moore grew up in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore, but despite the odds, he achieved success through actions of studying and military duty.

Moore’s book, titled “The Other Wes Moore,” tells the story of another man named Wes Moore who had an extremely similar upbringing to him, but is serving a life sentence for murder. As Moore developed a relationship with the “other Wes,” he tried to discover why they have found themselves with starkly different outcomes.

Moore explained that when the other Wes’ mother attempted to achieve a four-year degree, she could not afford it.

“I can’t help but think how different her life would have been if she would have graduated college,” Moore said.

He said that quality education is the root of a pleasant community.

“Education matters,” Moore said.

Smith McKoy , who presented Moore to the crowd, said she believed that Moore perfectly exemplified King’s will for the community.

Students will observe the Martin Luther King holiday next Monday by having the day off, causing this event to be held a week in advance.

“It’s important because it is a good time for us to sit down and reflect on a great leader and an inspirational character,” Alex Thomas, junior in chemical engineering, said.

“If you look back at all of the things he did, the doors he opened, he really shot down a lot of stereotypes.” Thomas said.

Smith McKoy explained that Moore was chosen for this precise reason; he evades the stereotypes that African-Americans held during King’s time through his education, success, and encompassment of the American dream.

“We are not products of our own environment, we are a product of our expectations.” Moore said

Smith McKoy explained that Dr. King would have been proud of Moore’s success and his ability to spark change among others.

“He not only gives back to the community, but inspires others to take that next step and change the world.” Smith McKoy said.

The African American Cultural center has several more events approaching, including the exhibit “Too Black Too Fast,” narrating the story of African American jockeys’ of centuries ago.

Events for February’s Black History Month can also be found on the African American Cultural Center’s website.