The University honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with two weeks of events and activities and a visit from civil rights activist and former NAACP chairperson Myrlie Evers-Williams.
Committee chairperson Jason Wesley, a finance junior, and team leaders were selected through an application and interview process in fall 2002, when they began meeting weekly to plan and organize the events for MLK Week.
The theme for this year’s commemorative program is The MLK Blueprint: A design for peace, justice and equality.
Wesley said he and several of his team leaders returned when the University offices opened to continue working on the program.
“We have worked hard in planning the events for MLK Week, and I hope everyone remembers if it were not for people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we would not have the rights we have today,” said Teressa Breaux, a mass communication sophomore and MLK committee team leader.
The commemorative program will include performances by the University Gospel Choir, the MLK Dance Ensemble and the presentation of the MLK Humanitarian Scholarship, with a keynote address from Evers-Williams.
MLK Events Include:Commemorative program with civil rights activist and former NAACP chairman Myrlie Evers-Williams: Wednesday, 7 p.m., Union TheaterUnity Breakfast: Thursday, 8 a.m., Sheraton Baton Rouge Conference Center Hotel Capitol Atrium (invitation only) Gospel concert: Monday, 7 p.m., Union Theater
The MLK Unity Breakfast will host Chancellor Mark Emmert, Southern University Chancellor Edward Jackson, Baton Rouge Community College Chancellor Myrtle E.B. Dorsey and guest speaker Delores Spikes, president emerita of Southern University System and president emerita of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The poetry night and oratorical contest will be open to students, and participants are encouraged to bring works that celebrate the life, legacy and works of Dr. King.
The gospel concert will feature choirs, soloists, musicians, dancers, puppeteers and more.
The Day of Service is a collaboration between student organizations and selected South Baton Rouge elementary, middle and high schools to improve some aspects of the educational environment.
Though the Office of Multicultural Affairs is the main coordinator of MLK Week, it has received many donations from other departments and offices around campus.
“In previous years, the MLK celebration at LSU has been one of the largest in the state,” said Katrice Albert, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “Hopefully, this year’s celebration will prove to be a success in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King.”