January 11, 2007
MLK Recognition Week 2007 starts Sunday
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A moving re-enactment of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "dream" speech by a nationally recognized figure will highlight MLK Recognition Week 2007 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Joe Rogers, former Colorado lieutenant governor and founder of "The Dream Alive" program, will deliver the historic "I have a dream" speech on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium.
"The Dream Alive" program is dedicated to the memory of King and other leaders of the civil rights movement. Rogers presents the program at colleges, corporations and conferences across the country.
"The Legacy of a Dream" is the theme of SIUC's weeklong celebration of King's life, which also will include a march, a food drive, a panel discussion and community celebrations.
"It is important to celebrate MLK's life because it challenges us to act as individuals who can join together and work to create a better world," said Carl W. Ervin, coordinator of student development.
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Carbondale and Delta Academy are community sponsors of MLK week. Campus sponsors include: Black Affairs Council, Black Leaders Actively Communicating Knowledge, Black Togetherness Organization, Carbondale branch and SIUC chapter of the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Residence Hall Association, African Student Council, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Special Programs and Center Events, Saluki Rainbow Network, University Housing, fine arts activity fee, Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Office of Diversity and Equity, and Saluki Volunteer Corps and Multicultural Programs and Services, both part of the Office of Student Development.
All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted. The full schedule follows:
• Jan. 14, 4 p.m. – Carbondale Community Celebration "The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.
• Jan. 15, 7-10:30 a.m. – 25th Annual MLK Commemorative Breakfast and Award Ceremony. SIUC's Grinnell Hall, lower level; $3.
• Jan. 16, 6 p.m. – MLK Recognition Week March; starts at SIUC Free Forum and ends at the Student Center Auditorium.
• Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m. – Joe Rogers' "The Dream Alive" program: re-enactment of King's famous speech. Performances by Bethel A.M.E. Shabach Choir, Delta Academy and Underground Arts. Student Center Auditorium.
• Jan. 17, 7 p.m. – Panel discussion, "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere: A Forum on Social Justice." SIUC Student Center Mississippi Room. Student leaders, faculty members, staff members and community members will share thoughts on social justice, political engagement and the forging of a fair and just community in today's world.
• Jan. 18, 7 p.m. – MLK Recognition Week Closing Ceremony, "Then and Now." Student Center Ballroom B.
• Jan. 16 – 23 – MLK Exhibition, Student Center display case.
• Jan. 16-25 – Canned food drive for Good Samaritan Food Pantry. Collection boxes at SIUC Student Center, Recreation Center, Student Development office, Counseling Center and Inter-Greek Council office.
For more information on MLK Recognition Week, contact the Office of Student Development at 618/453-5714.