Black Student Union co-director Haben Woldu worries that people today associate Martin Luther King Jr. with a three-day weekend in the middle of January — and not the implications of King’s accomplishments.
That concern is addressed in the theme of this month’s celebration of King’s life: “Redefining the Dream.”
“We want to remind people what the dream is all about, because people seem to forget,” Woldu said.
The month’s events begin at 5 p.m. today with a discussion of the current global situation with writer, poet and political activist Amiri Baraka in the Gumwood Room of the EMU. Steve Morozumi, program advisor for the Multicultural Center, described Baraka as “the father of the black arts movement,” and said Baraka will read some of his poetry and discuss the relation between King’s dream and world events since Sept. 11.
Coordinators of the annual event said this year’s celebration is different from past years because it will focus on King’s vision for civil rights within the context of the current global situation.
Assistant Dean of Diversity Programs Mark Tracy, one of the celebration coordinators, said many of King’s philosophies are still relevant today.
The celebration events show “how (King’s) vision has changed society and how can we continue his work in the face of these changes,” he said.
Since Sept. 11, both global and local communities are coming together, he said.
“King is known for trying to bring communities together,” he said. “What was King’s vision of coming together in a nonviolent way? How can we manifest that vision in today’s situation?”
Morozumi said he thinks many people haven’t studied King closely and know little about him beyond his “dream.”
“The month’s events force one to pause and reflect on how much of his dream has been accomplished,” he said. “The dream King had of a fully democratic democracy is yet to be fulfilled.”
Tracy added that although King is almost a folk legend in America, most people associate him only with nonviolent civil rights activism.
“‘Redefining the Dream’ is a chance to explore more than his nonviolent movement and look at other aspects of his life,” he said.
Woldu said King’s influence among social movements extends beyond the African American community.
“King influenced all people and all races,” she said. “Women’s rights and gay rights both sprung from his influence.”
Events scheduled this month include a panel discussion, “What would MLK Say?,” in which faculty members will discuss King’s impact on social movements in relation to the current global situation. The panel will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 in the International Student Lounge.
On Jan. 23, an awards ceremony honoring staff, faculty and administrators will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Gerlinger Lounge. Also on Jan. 23, the Black Student Association will host an open mic and candlelight vigil, which will begin with a reception in the EMU Amphitheater at 7 p.m.
Celebration events conclude Jan. 25 with a dinner and dance sponsored by the Vietnamese Student Association and the BSU at 6 p.m. in the Collier House.