Elon University will host its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events from Jan. 10-16, 2012.
The events commemorate the spirit of diversity and honor the sacrifices and current work of many for inclusion and equality.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Celebration
Tuesday, January 10 – Elon University, McKinnon Hall
11:30 a.m. – Elon University, Beloved Community “College Coffee”
Elon University’s Office of Student Activities will be sponsoring a special College Coffee featuring posters and installations inspired by themes of the Civil Rights Movement as well as multiculturalism and diversity. We invite the campus community to attend to commemorate the life and legacy of one of the world’s most inspiring human rights leaders. If you are interested in submitting a poster or installation, please contact Leon Williams at lwilliams25@elon.edu. This event is the kickoff to a week-long celebration of Dr. King.
Wednesday, January 11 – Elon University, Whitley Auditorium
12 p.m. – Elon University, Beloved Community MLK Commemorative Program
The opening program will feature guest speaker Professor Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University as he delivers his thoughts on the timely topic, “His Past. Your Future. One Dream.” Watkins uses personal stories, metaphors and world events to help his audience discover the reality of the dream. The program will also recognize the winners of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Essay Contest. This event is sponsored by the Multicultural Center and African and African American Studies program.
Thursday, January 12 – Elon University School of Law
6:30 p.m. – Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) to speak at fourth-annual Martin Luther King, Jr. forum
The forum is free and open to the public and is sponsored in part by the Law School Admission Council as part of Discoverlaw.org Month. The School of Law has invited high school and undergraduate students interested in the study of law to attend this event. By providing this opportunity to explore current legal issues, the School of Law seeks to foster interest in the pursuit of a legal education as well as an appreciation for opportunities available for groups currently underrepresented within the legal profession.
Sunday, January 15 – Elon University, Moseley (Boney Fountain)
4 p.m. – Elon University, Beloved Community Peace Journey & Candlelight Vigil
The Peace Journey is a community march designed to commemorate the many lives lost and sacrifices made in the work to eradicate hate and oppression. On this day we are privileged to walk in peace and share in reflection on those who marched before us without the rights we now share. The Peace Journey is sponsored by the Black Cultural Society, Latina American Student Organization, Spectrum, Amnesty International, Peace and Justice, and Greek Life.
Immediately following the Peace Journey, Elon University’s Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, LGBTQ Office, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Multicultural Center will host a Candlelight Vigil in honor of the life, service and dream of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Please join us on the Academic Village Plaza as we light up the night with candles, share memories of his life and legacy, pray for our community and nation, and celebrate his vision for the future. The Candlelight Vigil is an outdoor assembly and testament of triumph over acts of oppression. This event is open to students, faculty, and staff as well as the local community. We encourage all to share personal stories in song and writing. If you would like to attend this event only, please feel free to join us at 4:45 p.m. at the Academic Village Plaza.
Monday, January 16 – Elon University, Moseley (Boney Fountain)
9 a.m. – Beloved Community “Day of Service”
The MLK Planning Committee invites you to donate children’s books to Kids Read. Kids Read is a nonprofit organization designed to provide new and used children’s books to hospitals and orphanages serving poverty-stricken communities. If you are interested in making a donation, please drop off your books in the Multicultural Center. The last date to drop off books is January 13, 2012. For more information, please visit www.kids-read.org. On Monday, January 16, in McKinnon Hall (Moseley Center) at 9 a.m., we will be packaging donated books for land mail. Kids Read is accepting books in all languages, for all ages.
Presented by Black Cultural Society, Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, Multicultural Center, Office of Student Activities, and Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. For more information, contact Leon Williams at 336-278-7244 or email lwilliams25@elon.edu.