Join The University of Olivet in observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16 – 18. Events are free and open to the public.
The MLK Oratorical Competition will kick off the celebration on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in Dole Hall Klock Commons. Students may submit essays on the theme of social justice by Thursday, Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. to compete for the OC King’s Scholarship on behalf of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The winner of the competition will be awarded $300, second place $150 and third place $50, and the top three essays will be presented at the Oratorical Contest.
On Jan. 17, events begin with the The University of Olivet MLK Jr. Celebration Opening Ceremony: The Ringing of the Bell in the College Square at 12 p.m. Remarks and poems will be shared by members of the Black Student Union and other students, in addition to a bell ringing ceremony.
At 1:30 p.m., the Lecture and Symposium “Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. – The Social Justice Advocate” will be presented by Jerome Reide in Mott Auditorium. Reide is a spirited civil rights activist, and is an attorney for the Law Office of Jerome L. Reide, P.C. and a regional field director for the NAACP. Additionally, The University of Olivet will honor the first place winner of the MLK Oratorical Contest.
On Jan. 18, events culminate with a musical tribute honoring King at 7:30 p.m. in Mott Auditorium. The University of Olivet Gospel Choir will perform, as well as Al McKenzie, Angela Davis, Rafael Statin, Angela Davis and 496 West.
“It is important that we take time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions made by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and other civil rights leaders,” said Jason Meadows ’03, associate dean of student life and director of student activities. “They have made an indelible mark on history. Taking time to acknowledge and reflect on the lives and work of the civil rights leaders of the past can inspire us to do our part in our daily lives to pursue and promote dignity and justice for all.”
For more information about the events, contact Jason at 269.749.7172 or jmeadows@uolivet.edu.