Ferris State University will recognize the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther
King Jr. during its “We Are” celebration Monday, Jan. 21 through Wednesday, Jan. 23.
The 2013 event’s theme echoes the Ferris core value of “collaboration,” said Michael Wade, assistant director of the university’s Office of Multicultural Student Services.
“I look forward to the campus community coming together to celebrate one of the most influential leaders of our time,” said Wade, who also serves as co-chair of the event’s planning committee. “I truly enjoy seeing individuals of diverse backgrounds who were impacted and inspired by Dr. King’s work.
“It gives our era hope that the work will continue on and not just be another page in history.”
The celebration, which also is sponsored by the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, Student Government and Entertainment Unlimited, will include several events and initiatives to commemorate the late activist’s work.
Monday’s events include tours of the Jim Crow Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is housed in the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education’s lower level.
Ferris student-volunteers will serve food to community members in need during the MLK Soup Kitchen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday in the West Campus Community Center. Food is being donated by FSU Dining Services and Big Rapids businesses.
Events on Monday also include the annual MLK Freedom March from 3 to 4 p.m. beginning in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center Connector and an MLK Student Tribute at 7 p.m. in the Rankin Student Center Dome Room.
Tuesday’s events include “The Battle Continues: Contemporary Racist Material” from noon to 5 p.m. at the Jim Crow Museum and the Student Government-hosted symposium “Four More Years … A Nation Divided or Together?” at 7 p.m. in the Dome Room.
The MLK Celebration wraps up Wednesday with “Jim Crow Segregation: The Ripple Effect” from noon to 5 p.m. at the museum and “Race Off with Teja Arboleda” at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium. The presentation by Arboleda, an expert on race and culture, is a campus five-star event.
Students also will have the opportunity to sign a “We Are” banner from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the IRC Connector.
The MLK celebration has been a signature event of Ferris’ OMSS since 1987. Ferris marks Martin Luther King Day, held annually on the third Monday of January.