This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., luncheon will feature Boyce D. Watkins, one of the leading financial scholars and social commentators in America, on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012.

This annual event, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is hosted and sponsored by the Office of Diversity Services.

The event also will honor this year's recipient of the Creating the Dream Award, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of an individual, organization, or department within Suffolk University toward creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe climate for members of the AHANA community.

Watkins, a professor of finance at Syracuse University, will speak on “The Dream of Martin Luther King, Brought to You by Walmart: America Keeps Getting It Wrong.”

Watkins is an advocate for education, economic empowerment and social justice. He has presented his message to millions, making regular appearances in various national media outlets, including CNN, “Good Morning America,” MSNBC and ESPN.

He is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition, a 55,000-member group of conscientious citizens who are concerned about issues facing the African American community.

The luncheon will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, at the Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill, 5 Blossom St.