Events at ESU commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Educational and civic organizations in Emporia are joining forces for the first time in seven years to commemorate the birth anniversary of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A series of activities stretching over several days in January and early February will offer local residents a chance to reflect on Dr. King’s message of justice and peace.

Activities coordinated by ESU’s Center for Student Involvement include issuance of a mayor’s proclamation during the Emporia City Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16.

On Jan. 21, ESU’s Multicultural Affairs Office is organizing a children’s art program. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Webb Lecture Hall of the Memorial Student Union. Students will be creating art representing Dr. King’s life during the program.

A keynote address by Rev. Dr. Gregory Gray will be presented at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in Heath Recital Hall. Gray is pastor of Christ Church of Second Chances in Lawrence, and has served as chaplain for the federal prison system of Kansas, and is a counselor for the Victims Service Unit of the Kansas City, Kan. Police Department.

After the keynote address, the audience will participate in a candlelight walk across Market Street to the First Christian Church. There, an expressional arts program featuring ESU’s Harmonious Voices of Praise will take place from 7:30-9 p.m. During the program, this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Citizen of Emporia Award will be presented to Jesse Solis.

ESU’s Multicultural Affairs Office and Office of International Education will show the Oscar-winning film, “Crash,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 in Science Hall room 72. A brown-bag lunch discussion of the film will follow the next day from noon to 1 p.m. in a location to be determined.

Rounding out the list of activities, members of ESU’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) will participate in a panel discussion at Emporia High School on Friday, Feb. 1. The students will discuss the importance of Dr. King’s legacy as it affects education.

For more information on the scheduled activities, contact Dr. Barbara Baker, Multicultural Programs and Services Director, at 620-341-5481.

Last Updated January 14, 2008>