MLK Symposium focuses on message of love

Topics:

The theme “Power, Justice, Love: Heal the Divide” will guide the 28th annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium through Feb. 7 at the University of Michigan.

The theme was selected by the MLK Symposium Planning Committee, which also is bringing Harry Belafonte, groundbreaking recording artist, actor and social activist, to U-M as the symposium’s keynote speaker.

Belafonte will deliver the traditional address at 10 a.m. Jan. 20 in Hill Auditorium. It is a focus of the symposium, one of the top national observances to honor King.

King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his message of love. Belafonte worked with King, President John F. Kennedy and Nelson Mandela, and was a force behind the 1985 “We Are the World” project to help people affected by war, drought and famine in Africa.

The annual series of lectures, performances and other activities to honor King is initiated by students and guided by the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the MLK Symposium Planning Committee.

Donavan McKinney speaks during the MLK Symposium’s Circle of Unity event in 2012. (Photo by Scott Soderberg, Michigan Photography)

Among more than 20 MLK Symposium events involving a range of campus sponsors, highlights include:

• Keynote Memorial Lecture of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium with Harry Belafonte, 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 20, Hill Auditorium. Belafonte is known as much for his social activism and pursuit of social justice as he is for his acting and musical success. He also is recognized in the social justice arena, with honors such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize, and the Nelson Mandela Courage Award. The speech will be simulcast at the U-M Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Suite 150, Detroit.

• “A Tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Art Expression & Poetry Slam,” 5-7 p.m. Jan. 20 in Stamps Auditorium. The event will be hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.-Epsilon Chapter in collaboration with MSlam Poetry group, to showcase works by local poets, performers and artists. Students, faculty and members of the community who take part are asked to incorporate their interpretation of King’s vision into their performance.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, “Raising the Bar,” 1-3 p.m., Jan. 20, Rackham Auditorium, with Albert Mensah. Rising from humble beginnings in Ghana, Mensah today speaks to organizations around the world, delivering inspiring messages. He is known as the Ambassador of Opportunity and has authored two books, “When the Drumbeat Changes Dance a Different Dance” and “OK Means Opportunity Knocking.”

• Annual Health Sciences MLK Day Lecture: “Healing the Divide: Bridges to Community Health,” noon, Jan. 20, Dow Auditorium/Towsley Center 1515 E. Medical Drive, with Phyllis Meadows, associate dean for practice at the School of Public Health. Meadows is focused on developing a comprehensive strategy for SPH to improve the public health workforce and establish the academic health department model.

• “No Justice No Peace: What Stand Your Ground Means For You,” 1-3 p.m., Jan. 20, Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Suite 150, Detroit. Stand Your Ground laws have been in the forefront of social discourse recently. A panel representing law enforcement, civic engagement, and the legal world will examine these laws and their impact.

UM-Dearborn events are:

• 21st Annual MLK Day of Service Jan. 20. (Register for this event.)

• Trip to African American History Museum Jan. 20, sign up in the Office of Student Engagement.

• Screening of “Betty and Coretta” at noon and 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in Kochoff Hall C.

• Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. King March, Jan. 22, time and location to be determined.

• Roe v. Wade Anniversary, University Center Stage, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Jan. 22.

• CEHHS and OSE Book Club, discussion of the graphic novel “March: Book One” by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, noon Jan. 23, Room 2122, UC.

• “Engaging Student Voice in Education: Empowering Students to Realize Their Potential” workshop, 4:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 180 Fairlane Center South, with guest facilitator Truman Hudson, Jr.

• “Elect Her-Campus Women Win,” 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 24 in Dining Room D, FCS.

• “Donate Without Breaking Your Bank” with extreme couponer Karen Holland, noon Jan. 24 in Room 2122. Learn more about this event.

UM-Flint MLK Jr. week of service events are:

• Day of Service Volunteer Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Jan. 20 in Michigan Rooms, Harding Mott University Center (UCEN).

• Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 20, Happenings Room, UCEN.

• Inclusion Workshop-bus leaves at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 21 from UCEN to Berston Field House for lunch, workshop, march and short program.

• “Word on the Street,” 6-8 p.m. Jan. 22, Happenings Room, UCEN.

• “If These Halls Could Talk” film and discussion, 2-4:30 p.m. Jan. 23, Happenings Room, UCEN.

• Black Arts, Poets and Writers Society event, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 24, location to be determined. Learn more about this event.

Tags:

Comments

  1. rea nike online rea nike online
    on April 7, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I am curious to find out what blog system you’re working with? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest blog and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?

Leave a comment

Commenting is closed for this article. Please read our comment guidelines for more information.