WHAT: The University of Utah presents the 23rd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Civil Rights Postponed.” Events include a keynote address by civil rights activist and author, Angela Davis, and conclude with a performance by songwriter Goapele.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 – keynote address by Angela Davis
WHERE: University of Utah Union Ballroom
WHAT: Celebration events include:
- “Treading Water” A panel of faculty scholars interrogate recent setbacks in civil and human rights in the United States, including academic access and equity, voting rights, LGBT issues, and immigration. Jan. 9, Noon; Olpin Union East Ballroom.
- “Angela’s Mixtape” by Eisa Davis. A musical montage of a childhood in Berkeley, CA, where the author grew up with her aunt, activist and professor Angela Davis. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7 pm; Olpin Union Ballroom.
- Angela Davis Keynote Address. Davis is known internationally for her ongoing work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad. She is a living witness to the historical struggles of the contemporary era. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, and she is the author of five books. Jan. 10, Noon; Olpin Union Ballroom.
- Beverly Daniel Tatum, scholar, author, and race relations expert, presents a special MLK lecture on contemporary issues of race relations in the U. She is the ninth president of Spelman College in Atlanta and has taught and wrote on the psychology of racism for over 20 years. Jan. 12, 3 pm; Olpin Union Salt Air Room.
- America Blackout, Ian Inaba’s stylish, intelligent, and provocative documentary that looks at the historic and systematic disenfranchisement of the black vote through the lens of the political career of Congresswoman Cyhthis McKinney (D-Georgia). Jan. 12, 7 pm; Olpin Union Theatre.
- KUED’s Utah Now with Angela Davis. Host Doug Fabrizio interviews Davis. Stream the interview at www.kued.org. Jan. 12, 8:30 pm.
- Diabetes Awareness Community Service Project. Community organizations have teamed up to provide free diabetes awareness information, screenings and referrals. Jan. 13, 10 am – 2 pm; Northwest Multipurpose Center 1300 West 300 South, Salt Lake City.
- Goapele Performance & 2007 Youth Leadership Awards. Goapele is a multi-faceted artist and songwriter known as much for her social and political activism, as for her lush romantic ballads. Jan. 15, 6:30 pm; Libby Gardner Hall. The Youth Leadership Awards will be presented to 19 students, grades 7 – 12, from throughout the State for their outstanding contributions to positive action, social change and building bridges among communities and cultures. This event is sold out. However some seats might be available at the time of the show.
For information about all U of U Martin Luther King, Jr. events go to www.diversity.utah.edu or call 801-581-7569.