Honorary Degree Recipient
Doctor of Laws
Student Affairs, May 3, 2002
Matthew Little is described as one of the most respected citizens and strongest advocates for educational and human rights in the Twin Cities area. He has been involved with the NAACP at the local, state, and national level for over 40 years. He was the president of Minneapolis NAACP for eight years. During his tenure as president, he was instrumental in two significant legal decisions that received national recognition: one leading to school desegregation, and the second resulting in the restructuring of public housing in the near north side of Minneapolis. Mr. Little organized and served as chairman of the Minnesota contingent that participated in the 1963 March on Washington where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his now famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his lifetime of work in public service from many communities, organizations, and agencies.
Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.