University Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Jan. 21-26
By George E. Mauzy Jr.
From Compass
Ohio University celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2019 on the Athens Campus.
The annual celebration, which has adopted the holiday’s national theme, “King’s Vision: Humanity tied in a Single Garment of Destiny,” takes place Jan. 21-26.
The Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake
The events include the Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake, a faculty associate for leadership and social transformation at the Pacific School of Religion, speaking on “King’s Vision: An Essential Alternative to Now” on Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 7-9 p.m. in the Galbreath Chapel. This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies Department.
The week’s events are either coordinated or supported by the Ohio University Office for Diversity and Inclusion’s MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee. These are the upcoming events:
Monday, Jan. 21 (National MLK Jr. Day)
Silent March ● Galbreath Chapel ● 10:30 a.m.
The Silent March will begin in front of Galbreath Chapel and end at the fourth-floor entrance of Baker University Center. Marchers are encouraged to bring a civil-rights themed sign. This event is open to the public. The event is sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
MLK Jr. Celebratory Brunch ● Baker University Center Ballroom ● 11 a.m.
The annual brunch will include a keynote speaker and student dance and spoken word performances. Tickets prices are: Non-student-$25; OHIO student-$15; non-student table of eight seats-$190; OHIO student table of eight seats-$120. To purchase tickets, contact the Multicultural Center at 740-593-4027. The event is sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.
Tuesday, Jan. 22
Artist Carrie Mae Weems Lecture ● Baker University Center Ballroom ● 7 p.m.
Considered one of the most influential contemporary American artists, Carrie Mae Weems has investigated family relationships, cultural identity, sexism, class, political systems and the consequences of power. She has sustained an ongoing dialogue within contemporary discourse for more than 30 years and has developed a complex body of art employing photographs, text, fabric, audio, digital images, installation and video. This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Black Excellence Panel ● Amanda J. Cunningham Center, Baker University Center 366 ● Panel discussion is 6-7 p.m., Networking Hour is 7-8 p.m.
The Ohio University Career Leadership and Development Center will host a panel discussion and networking hour for students and young professionals. Panelists Erial Ramsey, Nicole Antoinette Smith, Brandon Thompson and Marcquis Parham will share their career paths and take questions from the audience. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tamika Williams at 740-593-2909 or williat8@ohio.edu.
Faith Acts ● Galbreath Chapel ● 7-9 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake, a faculty associate for leadership and social transformation at the Pacific School of Religion, will speak on “King’s Vision: An Essential Alternative to Now.” Blake was officially installed as presiding minister of The Church for The Fellowship of All Peoples in October 1994. He has extensive field ministry experience with interfaith groups addressing justice and peace issues and has conducted seminars and workshops locally and nationally. Admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. This event is co-sponsored by United Campus Ministry, the African American Studies Department and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.
Thursday, Jan. 24
MLK Jr. Charity Basketball Game ● Ping Recreation Center ● 6-8 p.m.
Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the charity basketball game. Spectators are asked to donate canned goods or personal items in exchange for free admission. Register online to play in the game. For more information, contact Tamika Williams at 740-593-2909 or williat8@ohio.edu.
Artist Carrie Mae Weems Art Gallery Reception ● Kennedy Museum of Art ● 6-7:30 p.m.
Carrie Mae Weems will host an opening reception for her art exhibition from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Museum of Art. Her exhibit, “The Usual Suspects,” will be on display from Jan. 11 to March 31 in the KMA East Gallery. The event is free and open to the public.
Friday, Jan. 25
Self-Care & Activism event ● LGBT Center, Baker University Center 354 ● Noon-1 p.m.
The LGBT Center will host a discussion focused on self-care strategies for activists, which is especially important in today’s political environment. Panelists will share how they care for themselves and others to avoid burnout, compassion and fatigue and take questions from the audience. Some of the topics likely to be discussed include immigration reform, eco-justice and anti-racism. The event is free and open to the public.
MLK Jr. Celebration Arts Cypher, Baker University Center Theatre ● 7-8:30 p.m.
This talent showcase will allow poets, singers, musicians, dancers and other artists to perform social justice-themed works. Anyone interested in performing at this free and open to the public event should contact event coordinators Earl Hopkins at eh032114@ohio.edu or George E. Mauzy Jr. at 740-597-1794 or mauzy@ohio.edu. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, Jan. 26
Day of Service ● Athens Campus and surrounding area ● Times TBA
The MLK Jr. Day of Service, which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26, is an opportunity for campus and community members to volunteer for a service project. Transportation will be provided. For more information or to sign up for a service project, contact Community Engagement Programs at harrisob@ohio.edu or 740-593-4007.
Athens County School Supply Drive, through Jan. 31
The Ohio University Athens Campus will host a school supply drive that will benefit Alexander, The Plains and Trimble elementary schools. Items will be collected from the various drop off boxes on campus, including the Baker University Center third floor and several sorority houses. Some of the items requested include: binders, dividers, paper, head phones, crayons, pens, pencils, rulers, backpacks, glue sticks, scissors and folders. See a complete list of items requested by school.
For more information about the 2019 MLK Jr. Celebration, visit https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/dr-mlk-jr-celebration.
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