Chester Grundy is a lifelong educator and cultural arts activist. He is the founder and first director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Center at the University of Kentucky which has, since its inception in 1987, presented a broad array of cultural/educational programs including lectures, concerts, dance performances, theater, film programming, study/travel experiences and exhibits. Under his leadership the center has presented such cultural giants as Muhammad Ali, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou, Bishop Desmond Tutu, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Spike Lee, Alex Haley, The Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and many, many more. He was also co-sponsor of UK’s celebrated Spotlight Jazz Series, the nation’s longest running collegiate jazz series which, over its 33 year history, drew widely diverse regional audiences to Lexington to experience the best in jazz artistry, performances and workshops. Mr. Grundy was the co-founder of Lexington’s heralded Roots & Heritage Festival and served as coordinator of its Stage 1 for sixteen years. With the support of his wife, Ann, he has, for 50 years, provided the artistic vision and program leadership for the annual city-wide celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, a highly acclaimed observance which, each year, attracts more than 3500 people to an uplifting, progressive tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.