Boise State University’s 2012 MLK Living Legacy Celebration will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with several events in January. The celebration is sponsored by the MLK Living Legacy Committee, comprising Boise State organizations, students, staff, faculty and community members.
The celebration kicks off with a Jan. 16 Day of Greatness, including a march and rally and several community service projects. The community also is invited to a Jan. 23 keynote address by Tim Wise, a week of workshops presented by Dream Grant recipients, and a Jan. 25 poetry reading by Roger Bonair-Agard. All events are free and open to the public.
“Keeping the influence of Dr. King’s legacy alive in our community is not only a matter of choice, it is a matter of conscience,” said Francisco Salinas, director of diversity and inclusion. “This American hero’s challenge to us is the ideal that some dreams must never die, and that the dreams of justice and equality require daily work and never-ending vigilance. These ideas are as true today as they were when Dr. King lived and breathed and they are as true in Boise as they were in Dr. King’s church in Georgia, the streets of Birmingham or the halls of Congress.”
For a full schedule of events, visit mlk.boisestate.edu. Highlights include:
9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16
The Day of Greatness kicks off with a march and rally. Poster making begins at 9 a.m. in the Student Union Hatch Ballroom, followed by a march down Capitol Boulevard at 11 a.m. and ending with a rally on the Statehouse steps featuring remarks by Boise State students.
Following the rally, several nonprofit organizations will provide volunteer opportunities. Depending on your schedule, you can make a difference by serving your community for the entire afternoon or just a few minutes.
A one-of-a-kind T-shirt featuring an image of Martin Luther King will be given to Day of Greatness participants who commit to engage in service that day either on campus or through one of the community volunteer agencies in attendance. Recipients will be asked to wear the T-shirt during the march.
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23
Tim Wise will offer the keynote address in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom. Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on more than 600 college campuses, and to community groups across the nation.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25
Poet Roger Bonair-Agard will give a reading and sign books in the Student Union Hatch Ballroom. Bonair is a veteran of the spoken-word scene and a two-time national poetry slam champion. He moved to the United States from his native Trinidad and Tobago in 1987. Intending to begin university studies and eventually pursue law, Bonair-Agard found himself instead exploring the seediest sides of New York City life.
7 p.m. Jan. 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31
Workshops presented by organizations that have been recipients of MLK Living Legacy Dream Grants. Watch for more details closer to the event.
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Media Contact: Kathleen Tuck, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kathleentuck@boisestate.edu
About Boise State University
As an emerging metropolitan research university of distinction, Boise State University plays a crucial role in the region’s economic development and famed quality of life. Idaho’s largest institution of higher education offers nearly 200 degrees and certificates in seven colleges. While remaining committed to the strong teaching legacy that has resulted in 11 Idaho Professor of the Year awards since 1990, Boise State’s added emphasis on innovation and creativity is fueling the fastest growing research program in Idaho.