Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2007
“A day ON, not a day OFF.”
Social justice is a recurring theme running through the Alma College week-long commemoration of the legacy of Martin Luther King. Jr. The week begins Jan. 12 with Pay It Forward: The Giving Game at 8 p.m. in Dunning Memorial Chapel and features street activism demonstrations and Robert Bullard speaking about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. All events are free and open to the public. The week is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force.
Friday, January 12
Pay It Forward: The Giving Game
8 p.m. Dunning Memorial Chapel
Friday Night Films presents “Pay it Forward”. Young Trevor responds to an assignment from his teacher with a plan to help three people … who will help three more, and so on, in an ever-widening circle. This film will serve as the kick off event for the “The Giving Game,” sponsored by the Service Learning House. The Giving Game, developed by Brian Moakley, is based on the concept of “Pay it Forward” — the principle that acts of kindness inspire more acts of kindness. 100 Giving Game Cards will be distributed Friday at the movie. The cards will be passed on to others with each kind act, and the acts will be recorded on a web site, so we can track the impact of our random acts of kindness during MLK week. This event is sponsored by the Service Learning House.
Sunday, January 14
Chapel Service
7 p.m. Dunning Memorial Chapel
The Chapel will host a special worship service in honor of Dr. King. Ms. Artheillia Thompson will preach. Ms. Thompson is the Hunger Action Coordinator for the Presbytery of Detroit. She facilitates congregations in addressing needs of hunger, poverty, and homelessness in the communities of metro-Detroit. In 2000, Artheillia received one of three "Women of Faith" awards given by the General Assembly, the national Presbyterian Church. Thompson’s 20-year ministry has embodied the spirit of generous service that Dr. King advocated. All are welcome to attend the service, regardless of religious background. This event is sponsored by the Chaplain.
Monday, January 15
Street Activism
12:30 p.m. various locations
Activism was central to the search for social justice in the Civil Rights Era, and this year we will commemorate that spirit of "street activism" with demonstrations and reenactments of historic moments in the struggle for social justice at several different locations across campus. This event is sponsored by the Multicultural Black Student Union.
Panel discussion: Finding Environmental Justice in a Dirty World
2:30 p.m. Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall
In his final speech, "I've been to the Mountaintop," King argued that the quest for social justice transcended the question of racial equality, and included economic injustice. Sociologist Robert Bullard has argued that it must also extend to matters of environmental justice. Bullard coined the term "environmental racism" as means to describe the way social and economic factors often result in poor and minority communities bearing an unequal share of environmental contamination. Join us for a chance to discuss local, regional, national, and global questions of environment and social justice with Robert Bullard and a panel of other local and regional experts.
Robert Bullard, "Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Dr. King"
8 p.m. Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall
The message of Dr. King is one that is powerfully relevant to questions we face today; his legacy extends to the struggle for social justice in all aspects of society. Dr. Robert Bullard exemplifies the power and the relevance of King's message today. Leading the battle for environmental justice, from dealing with the toxic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to curbing urban sprawl, Dr. Bullard tells the stories of frontline warriors who are fighting environmental and human rights abuses. His research and activism challenges government and industry policies that place people of color and the poor at special risk.
Tuesday, January 16
Second Annual MLK Poetry Slam
7 p.m. Clack Art Center, Auditorium
We invite the campus to join us in celebrating the power of the word in the struggle for peace, social justice, and tolerance. The slam is open to performances/readings by students and faculty of original or "borrowed" works that celebrate civil and human rights, as well as the ideals of love, peace, multiculturalism, and social justice that are part of the legacy of Dr. King. This is an open mike event; the audience members are encouraged to bring poetry or prose they would like to share.
The Color of Fear
2:30 p.m. Smith Room, Library
The Color of Fear is an insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America as seen through the eyes of eight North American men of Asian, European, Latino and African descent. In a series of intelligent, emotional, and dramatic confrontations the men reveal the pain and scars that racism has caused them. What emerges is a deeper sense of understanding and trust. This is the dialogue most of us fear, but hope will happen sometime in our lifetime. This screening of the film will include a facilitated discussion and reflection on the challenges of open and honest dialogue about race. This event is sponsored by the Alma College Library.
Wednesday, January 17
Like Water: African Drumming and Dance Workshop
3-5 p.m., Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center, Jones Auditorium
Like Water Drumworks is a grass roots effort to share and celebrate the
joys of music and movement. Drawing heavily upon West African cultures,
specifically drumming and dancing, they offer classes, programs, events,
instruments and performances related to and celebrating the joys of music
and movement. The workshop is a hands-on demonstration.
Teach for America: Education and Social Justice
7 p.m. Swanson Academic Center, Room 113
Education is a crucial ingredient in the search for social justice. The goal of Teach for America is that “One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.” Learn more about opportunities to be a force of change by learning more about Teach for America. Jon Gleicher, Recruitment Director, will meet individually with students throughout the day and host an open forum at 7:00 pm in SAC 113. Contact the Center for Student Development (989) 463-7225 (7971 on campus) to schedule an individual appointment. This event is sponsored by the Center for Responsible Leadership, Service Learning, and the Center for Student Development.
Thursday, January 18
Blood Drive
11:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Stone Recreation Center
Campus Blood Drive sponsored by Service Learning classes. Contact Service Learning, (989) 463-7971 (7971 on campus) to register and volunteer.
Reflections Contest Presentations
7 p.m. Dow Science Center, Skinner Lecture Hall, (L-1)
This year inaugurates a student competition to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, focusing on this year’s theme: social justice. Students are encouraged to reflect upon Dr. King’s message and its place in the world today. Submissions are due Friday, January 12, and will be presented publicly by the authors. Pizza will be provided. This event is sponsored by Environmental Studies, History, Music, ACUB and Student Life.
Community Cafe Service Project
4:00-7:00 p.m., Alma First Presbyterian Church
Join Habitat for Humanity at the First Presbyterian Church to serve the Community Cafe meal provided by Sodexho Dining Servicces through meal/point and monetary donations from students, faculty and staff.
Saturday, January 20
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
Join the Non-traditional Student Organization (NS0) as they support the Area 7 Alma Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at the Alma College Stone Recreation Center. Volunteers needed. Contact Tracy Fuller at 06tlfull@alma.edu. This event is sponsored by the Non-traditional Student Organization.
