UH TO CELEBRATE MLK'S LIFE, LEGACYAT PANEL DISCUSSION, STUDENT EVENTS

January 19, 2010

The University of Houston will mark the observance of the 81st birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. with several events celebrating the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader.

The observance begins with the broadcast of various programs about King, including his 1968 assassination, on the UH Student Video Network. The programs will air Tuesday, Jan. 19 through, Sunday, Jan. 24. Additionally throughout the week, faculty will share their perspectives on King and the civil rights movement via letters in The Daily Cougar. 

Other activities, such as the Martin Luther King dialogue and panel discussion, will focus on the relevancy of activist’s legacy in today’s world. The Council of Ethnic Organizations and The Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha are sponsoring the free event, which starts at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 21 at the University Center, Cougar Den.

The celebration continues next week as faculty, staff and students are invited to join speakers at the "Breaking Bread: Reflections on the Legacy of Dr. King," panel discussion. The free event begins at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the University Center, Houston Room. Beverages and light refreshments will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

Scheduled panelists for the Jan. 26 event include UH President Renu Khator; alumnus and state Rep. Sylvester Turner; Elizabeth Gregory, professor of English and director of the Women’s Studies Program; Joe Pratt, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; and Ira Colby, Graduate College of Social Work dean. A brief roundtable discussion with students, faculty and staff will follow. 

Also on Jan. 26, a student-led celebration, featuring the UH Forensic Society and Good News Gospel Choir, takes place at the University Center, Houston Room, from 7 – 9 p.m.

Visit http://www.uh.edu/news-events/calendars/special-events/mlk-celebration/ for updates on the events and to view videos from last year's MLK Day celebration.

Staff reports