Series of events to celebrate legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.


KU MLK Day March, with musical performances by Cuee and Soul Chemist, events begin at 1 p.m. in the Strong Hall rotundaLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is coordinating several Lawrence area events to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The KU and Lawrence communities will be able to participate in a variety of cultural enrichment, learning and call-to-action events from Monday, Jan. 15, through Monday, Jan. 22, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday throughout the week.

“Dr. King gave the world a sweeping vision of social justice,” said Jennifer Hamer, vice provost for diversity & equity. “He advised us that, ‘Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.’ This tenet is no less true today; each one of us is an important part of this world that we share. Each of us has a stake in the outcomes of our neighbors – local, regional and global. I want to invite everyone in the region to be engaged so that, together, we can build a world of equity and justice that all children, families, and individuals deserve.”

King, whose memory is honored by the national holiday on Monday, Jan. 15, was a minister and civil rights activist best known for his leadership and organizing efforts in the ‘50s and ‘60s. In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He also posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

KU is transforming its signature vigil observance into a series of events that enhance social consciousness and encourage public-spirited participation. Monday’s march will feature a second-line marching brass band, which will be followed by a musical performance in the Kansas Union featuring Chicago-transplant hip-hop and rap artist Cuee and DJ Soul Chemist. The event is free and open to the public. The week’s schedule of activities includes the following:

MONDAY, JAN. 15
MLK March Across Campus with second-line brass band

March begins at 1 p.m. in Strong Hall rotunda
Musical celebration begins at 1:45 p.m. in Kansas Union and ends on the fourth-floor traditions area
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity & Equity
Light refreshments served

Lawrence Public Library Day of Service
Multiple events and activities, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont St. Events include a 4 p.m. showing of “13th,” with a moderated discussion to follow.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17
KU Common Book Discussion for Incoming Students
3:30 p.m. – Spencer Museum of Art Teaching Gallery
Sponsored by the Office of First Year Experience

Panel discussion: Building Communities of Care and Justice: Our Local Work
7:30 p.m. – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont St.
Matters of food insecurity, poverty, low wages, educational inequity and health challenges are a part of our local community.  Join local leaders for a conversation about how we can come together to create a stronger and healthier place of living and work. This panel discussion, sponsored by the KU Office of Diversity & Equity, will be moderated by Clarence Lang, professor and chair of the Department of African & African-American Studies, and will include representatives from United Way of Douglas County, Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Justice Matters and Just Food.

THURSDAY, JAN. 18
Approaches to Teaching and Learning African American History with Pero Dagbovie, university distinguished professor of history, Michigan State University
1 p.m. – The Commons, Spooner Hall
Sponsored by the Office of First Year Experience

Lawrence Public Schools ONE DREAM Event
5:30 p.m. – Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive
Sponsored by Lawrence Public Schools

Representations of African-American History in U.S. Politics and Popular Culture with Pero Dagbovie
7 p.m. – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Sponsored by the Office of First Year Experience & Langston Hughes Center

MONDAY, JAN. 22
Showing of the film “Moonlight”
8 p.m. – Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union
Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Student Union Activities

Wed, 01/10/2018

author

Jill Hummels

Media Contacts

Jill Hummels

Office of the Provost

785-864-6577