2013 MLK Celebration Week
We invite you to join the JMU Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) for its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week 2013 on January 14th-26th! This is our time to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to reflect on his many contributions to our nation, and to make sure that his courage will not skip this generation. There are several events and programs scheduled throughout the week, including a brunch with faculty and staff, a silent march on campus, community services projects, and more!
The kick-off for the week begins with the annual NAACP student, faculty and staff Breakfast on Tuesday January 15th in Transitions, 8:00 – 10:00 AM. On Thursday, January 17th, starting at 4pm, participants will gather at the James Madison Statue near Varner House to begin CMSS’s annual March and Speak Out. During the March participants from the JMU and Harrisonburg community will take a reflective walk witnessing various scenarios demonstrating how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actions connected different movements past, present, and future. The Speak Out segments will allow faculty, staff and students to share moments of reflection on how MLK’s courage will continue on to the current and future generations. Through this year’s March and Speak Out, we hope to show the relevance of MLK’s actions to our current state as a nation and his impact on history beyond the context of the civil rights movement.
Monday, January 21st, 2013 marks the 26th annual celebration of the national holiday honoring the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On this day, the Center for Multicultural Student Services will host a formal program in Wilson Hall Auditorium at 7:00PM (doors open at 6:30 PM). The Formal Program will recognize how Dr. King was instrumental in promoting justice and equality. Throughout his life, he espoused a philosophy of peace and non-violence actions. To commemorate this great leader, guest speaker Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, commentator on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is considered one of the leading hip-hop generation intellectuals in the country. As a founding board member of My5th, a nonprofit organization devoted to educating youth, Dr. Hill is recognized for his leadership in the black community, and in society as a whole. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
At the end of Celebration Week, we will partner with Habitat for Humanity in our community service effort, Building on the Dream, on Saturday January 26th. Sign-ups for the event will take place in CMSS (Warren 245) until January 24th. There is limited space available; therefore, sign-ups will be on a first come first served basis.
Please come out and make your mark on Madison by participating in and attending the events scheduled during Martin Luther King Celebration Week 2013. We hope to see you there!
