Speakers, readings, service projects and a special College Coffee at Elon University are among the many programs that commemorate the legacy of the slain American civil rights leader.
The 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Celebration was organized by Elon Teaching Fellows, the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, the Multicultural Center, the Black Cultural Society, the National Panhellenic Council, DEEP, the Office of Student Activities and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.
Anyone with questions about the following events is encouraged to contact Melissa Jordan, interim director of the Multicultural Center, at 336-278-7243.
Wednesday, January 8
MLK Commemorative Speaker Series: William A. Darity, Jr.
LaRose Digital Theater in Koury Business Center
6 p.m.
Darity is a professor of public policy and African & African American Studies and professor of economics at Duke University. His research focuses on stratification economics, inequality, race and identity.
Tuesday, January 14
Beloved Community College Coffee
Moseley Center
12 p.m.
Elon University’s Office of Student Activities will sponsor a special College Coffee featuring posters and installations inspired by themes of the Civil Rights Movement, multiculturalism and diversity. The campus community is invited to attend and commemorate the life and legacy of one of the world’s most inspiring human rights leaders.
Wednesday, January 15
Beloved Community MLK Speech Readings
Front terrace of the Moseley Center
12-1 p.m.
In an effort to commemorate King’s legacy and writings, this event will feature several faculty, staff and students who will read excerpts from several of MLK’s renowned speeches and letters as a way to remember our commitment to human rights and social justice for all persons.
Thursday, January 16
Beloved Community MLK Multi-Faith Service
Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion in the Academic Village
12 p.m.
Much of MLK’s work was rooted in his role as a religious leader. While he was a Christian minister, he also influenced and was influenced by leaders of other faith traditions. Students and staff connected to Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life will offer a service in the spirit of MLK and his life, passion and principles.
Thursday, January 16
Beloved Community MLK Difficult Dialogue: “Continuing the Spirit of Social Justice”
Lakeside 213 on the second floor of Lakeside Dining Hall/Moseley Center
6 p.m.
This program will provide an opportunity for students to discuss the impact of social justice efforts on local, national and international policies. Participants will hear from students who lead organizations or groups in an effort to effect change in the community.
Friday, January 17
Beloved Community MLK Day of Service
Meet by Boney Fountain at the side entrance to Moseley Center
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & from 1-4 p.m.
Join the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement for Elon’s annual celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Students can sign up for either a morning or afternoon project to work with local nonprofit organizations to address needs in our community. The morning project takes place from 9 a.m. – noon, and the afternoon project runs from 1-4 p.m. Space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign-up, please email bfrigo@elon.edu by Friday, Jan. 10.
Tuesday, January 21
MLK Commemorative Speaker Series: Douglas Foster
Yeager Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts
6 p.m.
A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, television correspondent and documentary producer, Foster teaches feature writing at Northwestern University while overseeing the Journalism Residency Program in South Africa. His most recent book is After Mandela: The Struggle for Freedom in Post-Apartheid South Africa.
Thursday, January 23
MLK Commemorative Speaker Series: Patricia J. Williams
Whitley Auditorium
6 p.m.
Columbia Law School’s Patricia J. Williams has published in the areas or race, gender and law, and on other issues of legal theory. Books include The Alchemy of Race and Rights; The Rooster’s Egg; and Seeing a Color-Blind Future: The Paradox of Race. She is a columnist for The Nation.
*At this event we will honor our 2014 MLK Humanitarian Essay Contest Winners.