News

Xavier University Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Three Days of Events

01/03/08

Xavier University students will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, with three days of events focused on the theme “Courage.” All events are free and open to the public.

January 16-18
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Exhibit: Visitors and students are encouraged to visit Xavier’s Women’s Center at 1415 Dana Avenue to see the exhibit “1000 PeaceWomen.” Free and open to the public, this exhibit consists of 1,000 postcard-sized paper plaques that present an image and information about the work of different women involved in peace. The exhibit continues through March 14.

January 16
Ongoing Bulletin Board Contest: The office of student life and leadership is sponsoring a bulletin board contest in residence halls and apartments with the theme “Courage: A Contemporary Reflection on the Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Images of King will also being featured throughout campus during these days of reflection.

11:30 am – 1:00 pm Black Studies in the Academy: A Legacy of the Movement:
Gallagher Student Center room 214
Tyrone Williams, professor of English, Kathleen Smythe, assistant professor of history, Adam Clark, assistant professor of theology, sophomore Ian Harrell and junior Jordan Meehan will discuss the intellectual roots of black studies, its philosophical tenets and ongoing relevance.

3:30 – 5:30 pm A Question of Courage: The Power of Story Sharing:
Gallagher Student Center room 330
A discussion by Patrick Welage, assistant director of Peace & Justice, and Anthony Jensen, visiting assistant professor, philosophy. Students Christina Ellis, Constantine Manda and Eman Ofori will share stories.

6:30-8:30 pm Drum Majors for Justice
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
Local activists discuss the contemporary significance of Kings’ legacy in Cincinnati and their efforts to transform the city. Panelists include: Rev. Damon Lynch III, Sr. Alice Gerdeman, Karen Daboub, and Tony Stieritz.

January 17
11:30 am -1:00 pm Leadership: The Courage to Challenge Injustice
Gallagher Student Center room 330
This roundtable lunch discussion is focused on recent examples of racial injustices on college campuses across the country. Pizza and drinks will be provided.

4:30 – 6:00 pm Film Documentary and Dialogue
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
“Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium” addresses the subject of hate by searching out origins of how it is taught and learned. The discussion will be facilitated by Dean of students Luther Smith and Patrick Welage, assistant director of Peace & Justice.

6:30 – 8:30 pm Courageous Leadership: Martin & Malcolm – Dream or Nightmare?
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
Panel discussion addressing current issues plaguing society based on mindsets and mentalities of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.

9:00 pm End of Racism Comedy Tour
Gallagher Student Center Theatre Preacher Moss, former writer for “The George Lopez Show,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “My Wife and Kids” is a strong voice in creating dialogue for diversity, equality and the uplifting of the human condition. He is the funniest commentator on the college scene.

January 18
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Global Perspectives: Promoting Solidarity – Nations without Borders
Gallagher Student Center Romero International Center
This dialogue focuses on the experiences of multicultural and international students in the U.S. and the impact of the American Civil Rights Movement.

2:00 – 4:00 pm Dreaming Today with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gallagher Student Center room 214
Ben Urmston, S.J. leads a discussion on the mythical, historical and living Martin Luther King, Jr. by asking “Can Xavier dream today with Dr. King?”

The series “Courage” is sponsored by Xavier’s offices of Multicultural Affairs, Human Resources, International Student Services, Student Involvement, Student Life and Leadership, and Peace & Justice programs, the Vice Provost for Diversity, the departments of Philosophy, Theology, Xavier Women’s Center, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Student Activities Council. As a Catholic, Jesuit University, Xavier is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and to the orderly discussion of issues confronting society.