IUP will hold several events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., throughout January, the month of the civil rights leader's birthday. In addition, events celebrating black heritage and culture will be held throughout February, which is Black History Month.
Following is a roundup of these events:
Saturday, January 15, through Monday, January 31
Library Exhibit: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Videos, books, placards, and more focusing on the work of King will be featured in this exhibit on the first floor of Stapleton Library. It runs throughout January during regular library hours. For more information, contact the African American Cultural Center at 724-357-2455.
Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
There will be no classes, and university business offices will be closed, including the Center for Health and Well-Being.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Blood Drive
This blood drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross and cosponsored by the African American Cultural Center, will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Rustic Lodge. Anyone who would like to help should contact the AACC at 724-357-2455.
Friday, January 21, through April 2
University Museum Exhibit: Extra! The Art of Harris, Williams Brewer, and Shahn
This exhibit, celebrating Black History Month, will feature the work of photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris from the August Wilson Center, a collection of quilts by Tina Williams Brewer, and civil rights prints by Ben Shahn from the University Museum's permanent collection. An opening reception will be held January 21 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. in the museum, on the second floor of Sutton Hall. Museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:00-6:30 p.m.; Thursday from noon–7:30 p.m.; and Saturday from noon–4:00 p.m. The museum is closed Sunday, Monday, and all university holidays. Admission is free.
Find more information: University Museum Exhibition to Celebrate African-American Heritage.
Thursday, January 27
Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Program and Black History Month Kickoff
This is the twenty-first annual program honoring King and kicking off Black History Month at IUP. All activities are sponsored by the African American Cultural Center in conjunction with several departments and organizations. The activities, which are free and open to the public, are listed below. For more information, contact the African American Cultural Center at 724-357-2455.
Exhibit: “Reflections in Black: African American History on Wheels”
This exhibit will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room.
Film Screening: “Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Dream”
This A&E award-winning program presents a brief biographical sketch of Martin Luther King, Jr. It will be shown from 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in the HUB Monongahela Room.
Reading: “I Have a Dream” Speech
The reading of King's famous speech will be held from 11:30 a.m. to noon in the HUB Conemaugh Room.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Luncheon and Reflections Workshop
This program will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the HUB Ohio and Monongahela rooms. It provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on the legacy of King, his values, teachings, and principles, and how those principles can be promoted today. The event includes the screening of The Boondocks episode “Return of the King.” The program is cosponsored by the African American Cultural Center and the Office of Social Equity and Civic Engagement.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Student Leaders' Reception
This informal reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Wallwork Hall, Room 98, offers an opportunity to interact with participants in the 7:00 p.m. panel presentation/keynote address.
Keynote Address/Panel Presentation: “What Would MLK, Jr., Say? Is America Really Post-racial?”
This year's keynote address, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium, will feature a panel presentation led by author-activist Bakari Kitwana (The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture). Panel members will include several leading hip-hop activists, scholars, and artists, including Joan Morgan, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Jabari Asim, Adam Mansbach, Lisa Fager Bediako, and Invincible (Ilana Weaver). The program, which celebrates King's legacy and kicks off Black History Month at IUP, will challenge those in attendance to consider a number of provocative and timely questions. A question-and-answer session and reception will follow.
Tuesday, February 1
Film Screening: For Colored Girls
An opening activity for Black History Month, this film will be shown from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the HUB Ohio Room. For more information, contact the African American Cultural Center at 724-357-2455.
Thursday, February 10
Peformance Plus: An Evening in the Harlem Renaissance
This program will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, on the second floor of Sutton Hall. This live documentary featuring world-renowned soprano Adrienne Danrich and original music by Drew Hemenger presents a musical journey based on the history and times leading us through the Harlem Renaissance with the likes of Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Langston Hughes. This is a Performance Plus series event. Tickets are available starting January 24 in the HUB ticket office. Cost is $16, regular; $14, discount; and $10 with an I-Card.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Theatrical Peformance: Power on Earth
Starring Darryl Van Leer, this one-man show brings to life some of the key players in African American history. This performance, to be held at 6:00 p.m. in the HUB Ohio Room, is part of the Six O'Clock Series.
Wednesday, February 23
Performance Plus: Evidence, A Dance Company
This innovative contemporary dance company will perform works including “One Shot: First Glance,” based on the works by Pittsburgh photojournalist Charles “Teenie” Harris at 8:00 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium. Tickets for this Performance Plus series event will be available starting February 7 at the HUB ticket office. Cost is $16, regular; $14, discount; and $10 with an I-Card.
Saturday, February 26
IUP Bands Celebrate Black History Month
The Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and Concert Band will perform a special concert at 8:00 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium that includes the world premiere of Stephen Newby's “Enduring Spirit” for chorus and wind ensemble. Groups are under the direction of Jack Stamp and Jason Worzbyt. Tickets are available starting January 31 at the HUB ticket office. Cost is $9, regular; $8, discount; and $6 with an I-Card.