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OU Hosts Weeklong Celebration Of Martin Luther King Jr.

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Ohio University will be commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by hosting a week full of activities beginning Monday with the annual silent march on campus.

This year’s celebration is themed “OHIO’s Legacy: Living the Dream,” focusing on King’s service and legacy.

The 14th annual MLK Jr. Silent March and Celebratory Brunch will begin on Monday at 10 a.m. in front of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium’s West Portico. The brunch will begin at 11 a.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom. This year’s speaker will be Fredrick Harris, who wrote a book about Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Harris is a Columbia University professor of political science and director of the Center on African-American Politics and Society. His research interests are race and politics in America, political participation, social movements, religion, political development and African-American politics. His most recent books are “The Price of the Ticket: Barack Obama and the rise and Fall of Black Politics” and “Beyond Discrimination: Racial Discrimination in a Post-Racist Era.”

Cost for the brunch is $12 for students or $15 for general admission. Tables can also be reserved for $80 for students or $110 for non-students. Tickets can be purchased at the OU Multicultural Center, located at 205 Baker University Center or by calling 593-4027.

  • Other events to celebrate MLK’s legacy throughout the week include: MLK Jr. Historical Display, Monday-Friday, Baker University Center third floor atrium. The historical display will showcase photographs, newspapers, articles and recordings from the university’s history. These materials will demonstrate how students of color were viewed and who visited campus during the civil rights movement to inspire the students to demand social justice.
  • ”Gideon’s Army” documentary viewing and discussion, Tuesday, 7 p.m., Athena Cinema, Court Street. The documentary follows the personal stories of young public defenders who are idealistic lawyers in the Deep South. Athens public defender Herman Carson will host an open discussion following the movie.
  • MLK Jr. Interactive Workshop, Wednesday, 6 p.m., Walter Hall Rotunda. The interactive workshop will be facilitated by Thomas Costello, an Ohio University Glidden Visiting Professor. During the event, he will examine Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Where Do We Go From Here.” The discussion will focus on what lessons were learned from the speech and how to implement them.
  • Social-Justice themed open mic night, Thursday, 6-8 p.m., Casa Cantina. This arts showcase will allow students and community members to creatively express their depictions of social justice issues through poetry, music, dance, visual art and more. If the event is not over by 8 p.m., the remaining acts will perform at Donkey Coffee and Espresso.
  • It Takes a Village Interactive Workshop by Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS), Friday, all day, East Elementary School. The annual event is an educational program hosted by STARS that educates local elementary school students about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, diversity awareness, sexism, inequality and classism.
  • MLK Jr. Day of Service, Saturday. The day is an opportunity for campus and community participants to volunteer in service projects throughout Athens County. Service projects will include Last Chance Corral, United Campus Ministry, Good Works, Friends and Neighbors

Food Pantry, the Southeast Ohio Regional Food Bank and graffiti removal in the city of Athens. Transportation will be provided. As of Wednesday, the projects were full of participants. To be added to a waiting list of volunteers, email oucommunityservice@gmail.com or call the Campus Involvement Center at 593-4025.

For information about the MLK Jr. Week celebration, visit www.ohio.edu/diversity/mlk/, email sanders1@ohio.edu or call 593-0006.