A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 18, 2016

We are proud to host an annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boston University has been hosting a celebration of the life of our esteemed and influential alumnus since 1971.

Start the Celebration of King’s Legacy with a Community Rally for Peace – 1 p.m. at Marsh Plaza (735 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston)

In the wake of semester with more than the usual number of troubling headlines: apparent marriage equality; notions that black and brown lives matter less than all others; migration and immigration should stop; lack of understanding of transgender people; threats of existence in the conversations about and the Middle East; people running from wars need not come here; terrible violence that hits home and the heart; and, Muslims need to be locked out of our lives. All issues that go to the heart of asking: “Who are we, really?”

On a cold December, last year, over hospitality and in the wake of the disturbing and disappointing headlines, Professor Abigail Gillman and I agreed that all of us could use more time and space to come together in solidarity, fight fear, express our hope for peace and justice, and consider how each of us can become active in the great projects that restore our souls, repair our communities, and help us earn the hope we deserve.  We wanted to bring that message, which was also Dr. King’s message, out in to the open.

So, this year we begin our celebration of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with a rally for peace.  The rally begins on January 18, 2016, at 1 p.m. on Marsh Plaza with a brief remarks from Professor Abigail Gillman, student Ashley Guillaume, and alumnus Marvin Venay.

Yes, we know it’s outside and in January, but let’s also remember that the elements, vitriol, violence, and the weather has never stopped us from coming together – in the open – for the sake of justice and peace.  We hope you will join us and then get to the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall (it’s indoors) by 2 p.m. for our annual convocation celebrating Dr. King’s legacy.

Convocation in Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 2 p.m. – George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall (775 Commonwealth Avenue)

Introduction – Katherine Kennedy, Director, Boston University Howard Thurman Center

Meditation: King’s Telegram to Caesar Chavez – Angelica Silva, CAS ’16

Musical Performance – Inner Strength Gospel Choir

The Occasion –  Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dean, Boston University School of Theology

Poetry – Michael Damilola Aderibigbe , GRS ’18

Introduction of Juan Felipe Herrera – Robert A. Brown, 10th President, Boston University

Keynote Address – Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress

Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye – Victor Coelho, Boston University Professor of Music and Chair of Musicology and Ethnomusicology, and Ensemble

Conclusion – Justin Flynn, CAS ’17

We will provide American Sign Language interpreting and CART services for this event.

For more information, please contact Kat Cornetta at katcorn@bu.edu.