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Jan. 12 , 2005
CONTACT: Carol Anderson
734.487.4400
Carol.Anderson@emich.edu

First female AME bishop to visit EMU as part of MLK Day events

YPSILANTI – “The Struggle Continues…” is the theme of the 2005 celebration of Martin Luther King Day at Eastern Michigan University. The campus celebration, now in its 18th year, runs from Jan. 12-17 with many events occurring throughout campus. The public is invited to attend.

Highlighting the celebration is keynote speaker Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the first female bishop elected in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.  McKenzie will deliver remarks at the President’s Luncheon, Jan. 17, noon, at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest, Lakeshore Ballroom. For ticket information, call 487-1221 or 487-2282.

 The keynote address follows at 3 p.m. in Pease Auditorium. Admission is free.

“EMU honors Dr. King by taking this opportunity to reflect upon issues such as justice, equality and reconciliation,” said Jessica “Decky” Alexander, co-chair of the EMU MLK Celebration Committee and assistant professor in the EMU Communications and Theatre Arts Department. “Many of our sessions explore the struggle that accompanies sacrifice –  struggles of race, culture identity, community and civility – and it does so through performance, discussion and lectures.”

            Highlights of the MLK celebration are:

Wednesday, Jan. 12

  • African-American Scholars and Philosophers and the Drive Toward Educational

Opportunity: Practical Lessons for Change. noon-1 p.m., Porter Building.

  • Does the Struggle Continue?, 7-9 p.m., Walton-Putnam Lounge.

Thursday, Jan. 13

  • Reunite the People, Rekindle the Torch, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., McKenny Union Ballroom.

Friday, Jan. 14

  • Struggle for Equality and Status Banquet Project, noon-3 p.m. Multicultural Lounge, King Hall.
  • 4th Annual Color of Drums: Progress Through Poetry, 7 p.m. Pease Auditorium.

Saturday, Jan. 15

  • Hip Hop Explosion, 7 p.m., Pease Auditorium.

Sunday, Jan. 16

  • Nothing Said…, A Celebration of Spirit and Gospel, 4-6 p.m., Roosevelt Auditorium.

Monday, Jan. 17

            Opening Kick-off, Step, Look, Listen & Breakfast, 8:45-10 a.m., McKenny Ballroom.

All the following Monday morning events are held in McKenny Union, 10:05-11:35 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

  • Poster Session – Modern Worlds of Struggle: Keeping the Hope Alive, Tower Room.
  • Economic and Political Justice, Reception Room.
  • Black Greek Basics, Alumni Room.
  • Pedagogies of Multiculturalism, Faculty Room.
  • Watch African Dancing. Listen to Stories from Near and Far. Learn About Worlds Within Worlds (for young peoplein grades K-5), Guild Hall.
  • Money Talks: The Struggle of Generation Debt, Main Lounge.
  • The Strive for Unity: Discussing our Community Values and the
  • Development of a Creed, Intermedia.

Video Drop-In, all day, Halle Library G09.

Presidential Luncheon, 12-1:30 p.m., Eagle Crest Marriot Conference Center, For ticket information, contact 487-1221 or 487-2282.

Keynote Speaker Bishop Vashti McKenzie, 3 p.m., Pease Auditorium.

CloseUP Theatre Troupe, 4:15 p.m., Pease Auditorium.

College of Technology 25th Anniversary, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Tower Room.

March & Candlelight Walk, 5 p.m. from Pease to Multicultural Center.

Afterglow, 5:30 p.m., Multicultural Center Lounge, King Hall.

            For questions about EMU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, call Alexander, 487.3179.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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