Series of programs, lectures planned to honor MLK
Jan. 8, 2004
KALAMAZOO--From a scientific lecture by an evolutionary genetics expert to the screening of a Hollywood film about football and racial integration, more than a dozen events are planned at Western Michigan University to honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The signature event in the series of activities is the 2004 MLK Celebration, a communitywide observance to be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at Miller Auditorium. The celebration, which features a keynote address by cultural critic and essayist Kevin Powell, marks the beginning of almost two weeks of programs related to MLK.
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All of the 2004 activities are in keeping with this year's theme, "Reflecting the Faces of Change: Courage, Character and Collaboration," and are free and open to the public. Other events scheduled include the following
"Living the Dream: A Celebration of Courage, Character, and Collaboration," which features Kalamazoo area speakers the Rev. Jeff Port and Pastor J. Louis Felton, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Kanley Chapel.
A showing of "Remember the Titans," a Hollywood blockbuster featuring Oscar winner Denzel Washington at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in Ellsworth Hall. A discussion of the movie, which chronicles the true story of how 1970s integration efforts impacted athletics and life in a small southern town, follows.
The workshop "Teaching About Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement," which offers future and practicing teachers tips on how to address the legacy of Dr. King in K-12 classrooms. The 3 p.m. event is on Wednesday, Jan. 21 in 2304 Sangren Hall.
A presentation by Dr. Joseph Graves, who has conducted extensive research into history and the philosophy of science as it relates to the biology of race and racism. Graves will discuss "My Journey as an African-American Scientist" at a potluck lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, in the Haenicke Hall Atrium, and will deliver a 3:30 p.m. lecture in 1718 Wood Hall.
Numerous other events are scheduled. The information is available online at <www.wmich.edu/mlkday>.
WMU's observance of King's birthday is being coordinated by the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. Deveta Gardner, a career advisor in the University's Career and Student Employment Services, serves as chairperson of the committee, which includes faculty, students and staff.
Media contact: Gail Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu