WMU News

WMU to observe MLK Day Jan. 19

January 13, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University will observe the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with more two dozen events and activities, most on Monday, Jan. 19. This is the fourth year that WMU has officially recognized the birthday of the slain civil rights leader.

The observance begins at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 with an all-University convocation in Miller Auditorium. It ends with a closing celebration at 7 p.m. in the North Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. Afternoon events are scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. in various campus locations.

This year's theme is "Reclaiming the Dream: A Vision for Today." All classes, including evening and off-campus classes, have been canceled. The University itself will remain open. The University's observance is coordinated by the MLK Day Committee, a standing committee of the Faculty Senate, with financial support from the Office of the President.

Activities get under way Friday, Jan. 16, with a traditional lock-in at the Student Recreation Center. Registration for the event, sponsored by the Minority Student Leadership Council, starts at 6 p.m. The program, which has a theme of "Passing the Torch: Are You Afraid of the Fire?," begins at 8 p.m. It will include remarks by Black Entertainment Television host Tavist Smiley. The lock-in runs through 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Program, a part of the Division of Minority Affairs, will sponsor its annual banquet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the North Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. Reservations can be made through Friday, Jan. 16, by calling the Division of Minority Affairs at 616 387-3322. The cost is $7.50 for students and $10 for others.

The featured speaker will be Janet Clerk, admissions and student services director in the School of Social Work at Wayne State University and a graduate of the program. WMU established it in 1968, the year King was killed.

The Jan. 19 morning convocation will include remarks by WMU President Diether H. Haenicke and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton as well as video, audio and slide presentations that focus on King. University and community members will be invited to speak briefly on their experience with King and his ideas. The program, which includes a performance by a capella singers, will be followed by small-group discussions.

The WMU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will sponsor its annual commemorative march, beginning at noon Monday in front of the Bernhard Center. Marchers will proceed to MLK Memorial Park near downtown Kalamazoo, where they will participate in an "open-microphone" discussion.

Monday afternoon events include a Day to Serve Kids on Campus, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. New this year, the event is sponsored by Student Volunteer Services at WMU and the Voluntary Action Center in Kalamazoo for children whose schools are closed for the day. Fifty-four tables will be set up by more than a dozen student and community groups to offer activities.

Concurrent programs, conducted by departments, student groups and offices, also are scheduled during the afternoon. (NOTE TO EDITORS: A complete schedule is printed on the next pages.) A complete schedule is available on the World Wide Web at <www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/events>. More information is available by calling the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations at 616 387-2141.

The closing celebration will include a presentation by Von and Fran Washington titled "Reflections on MLK," a presentation by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and a talent showcase featuring the Voices of WMU Gospel Choir and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Sign language interpretation will be available at both the opening convocation and the closing celebration.

The MLK Day Committee is chaired this year by Beverly Moore, director of the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations. Committee members include students Ebony Barnes, Erin R. Coleman, Eric J. Host, Stephen Rice, Sien-Sien Tan and Michael G. Till; faculty members Drs. Sanjay L. Ahire, Susan H. Edgerton, Jena Gaines and David M. Lyth; and staff members Diana Hernandez, Michael J. Matthews and Moore.

Schedule of Events

Friday, Jan. 16

Minority Student Leadership Council -- Lock-in, "Passing the Torch: Are You Afraid of the Fire?" Tavist Smiley, host of "BET Tonight"; Student Recreation Center; registration, 6 p.m.; program, 8 p.m. Ends at 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

Sunday, Jan. 18

MLK Program Annual Banquet -- Celebrates MLK birthday and recognizes student academic achievement; speaker, Janet Clerk, admissions and student services director, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, North Ballroom, Bernhard Center, 2 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19

Opening Convocation -- Remarks by WMU President Diether Haenicke and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, video/audio/slide presentations, a capella singers and small-group discussions, Miller Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Department of Geography -- "Race Relations Then and Now," Vera Lucia Benedito, Ph.D. student in urban affairs, Michigan State University, 211 Bernhard Center, noon.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -- Commemorative march to MLK Memorial Park, in front of Bernhard Center, noon.

Department of Theatre -- Cross Colors, dramatic presentation by WMU multicultural theatre troupe, York Arena Theatre, noon and 4 p.m.

Department of Dance -- "Reclaiming the Dream: A Vision for Dance Today," workshop on African dance styles, featuring Robin Wilson and Kevin "Iega" Jeff, Dance Studio B, third floor, Dalton Center, 1 and 3 p.m.

Department of Philosophy -- Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, "Affirmative Action: A Vision for Today," Wesley Foundation, 1 p.m.

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering -- "Life in the Professional World," engineering professionals from various ethnic groups, 3034 Kohrman Hall, 1:30 p.m.

Division of Minority Affairs -- Luncheon, film and panel discussion, "Eyes on the Prize," Kanley Chapel, 1:30 p.m.

Department of Anthropology -- "Archaeology and the Present at the African Burial Ground in New York City," Dr. Warren Perry, Central Connecticut State University, former WMU faculty member, 0116 Moore Hall, 2 p.m.

Department of English -- "Dutchman," performance of play and discussion, Dexter Singleton, Sprau Tower lounge, 10th floor, 2 p.m.

Department of Military Science -- "America's Buffalo Soldier," film and discussion, 209 Bernhard Center, 2 p.m.

Sigma Lambda Gamma, You Beautiful Black Woman, Zeta Phi Beta -- "Cultural Family Feud," game show and prizes, 157-158 Bernhard Center, 2:30 p.m.

Center for Academic Support Programs -- "Skin Deep" Exploration, video and discussion, 1034 Moore Hall, 3 p.m.

Department of Economics -- "MLK Economics," seminar, Dr. Timothy Bartik, senior economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2202 Dunbar Hall, 3 p.m.

College of Education -- "Conduct Unbecoming: Hidden (and Not so Hidden) Cultural Bias in the Classroom," discussion, 2304 Sangren Hall, 3 p.m.

Minority Students for Teaching -- Black History Quiz Bowl, featuring six student organizations, Center Stage, Bernhard Center, 3 p.m.

Department of Education and Professional Development/Department of English -- "Teaching about MLK: Resources and Strategies for K-12," discussion, 3502 Knauss Hall, 4 p.m.

Department of History -- "A Dream Reclaimed," panel discussion, 3301 Friedmann Hall, 4 p.m.

Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology -- "Reflections on the Dream," panel discussion, 2301 Sangren Hall, 5 p.m.

College of Education -- Film series and discussion, "The Road to Brown," 2302 Sangren Hall, 4:30 p.m.; "The Color of Fear," 2304 Sangren Hall, 5 p.m.

You Beautiful Black Woman, Young Black Males Support Network, "The Great Debate," panel discussion, 204 Bernhard Center, 5 p.m.

Residence Hall Association -- "I Have a Dream" speech contest, 157 Bernhard Center, 6:30 p.m.

Closing Celebration -- "Reflections on MLK" by Fran and Von Washington; presentation by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; and talent showcase featuring Voices of WMU Gospel Choir and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, North Ballroom, Bernhard Center, 7 p.m.


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