With the theme “Social Justice in 2012,†the University of Evansville will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16 with a daylong series of events — including a re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C., and a panel discussion in which local residents will share their own accounts of the civil rights movement.
According to La Toya Smith, UE diversity and equity officer, the day’s activities reflect upon King’s life and legacy, honor Evansville residents’ personal experiences of the civil rights movement, and shine light on current day civil rights issues.
“Considering the ways that hatred, fear, and greed manifest in various forms of oppression in today’s society, the UE MLK Jr. Program Committee wanted to have a bold approach for this year’s celebration,†Smith said. “Thus, with the theme of ‘Social Justice in 2012,’ the committee wanted to set the tone for the year with a focus on eradicating oppression of all forms.â€
Throughout the day, King’s historic speeches will air on the University of Evansville’s radio station, WUEV 91.5 FM.
The day’s schedule of events is as follows. All events are free and open to the community.
11:30 a.m.: “Living the Dream,†Shanklin Theatre. This University of Evansville Black Student Union production celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. through music, art, and dance.
1:00 p.m.: Walk for Justice, Carson Center. The 24th annual re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington will begin in front of UE’s Carson Center on Walnut Avenue and conclude at Eykamp Hall on the second floor of the Ridgway University Center. This event is part of Evansville’s 200-day Bicentennial Celebration.
1:30 p.m.: Talk for Peace, Eykamp Hall. This community program begins immediately after the Walk for Justice and features the final round of the third annual UE Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speech Contest for local high school students.
The program also includes a panel discussion, moderated by Jack Schriber of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, in which three Evansville residents will discuss their personal experiences during the civil rights movement.
6:30 p.m.: Social Responsibility in Action, Eykamp Hall. UE students’ community service projects will be on display.
7:00 p.m.: William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship, featuring Robiaun Charles, Eykamp Hall. Through the generosity of William G. and Rose M. Mays, this lectureship funds the annual keynote speaker during the University of Evansville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
Robiaun Charles is the assistant vice president for development and external relations for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) at the University of Texas at Austin. In this role, she provides strategic direction and leadership for the development, communications, special events, and community relations operations of the division.
Before joining UT Austin, Charles served as the special assistant to the president and director of diversity initiatives at the University of Evansville where she advised the president and senior administration on a range of diversity issues.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Charles is currently working on her doctorate in higher education leadership and policy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
A reception in the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge will immediately follow the lecture.
