The University of Vermont will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a series of activities that will launch with a birthday party on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Davis Center atrium.
Cornel West, professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University will speak on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Ira Allen Chapel. Vocal and other musical performances will contribute to the occasion. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Captioning and sign language services will be provided.
A provocative and outspoken civil rights activist and public intellectual, West is the author of the 1993 bestselling book, Race Matters, and most recently, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, an account of his own life focused on themes of faith, family, philosophy, love and service. West also played an influential role in developing the storyline for the Matrix movie trilogy and acted in the final two films.
According to a 2010 New York Times story, quoting West on how he spends his weekends, he is “a bluesman in the life of the mind, a jazzman in the world of ideas, forever on the move.”
Other community service, intellectual and cultural programs to commemorate King’s legacy:
Monday, Jan. 24 to Friday, Jan. 28: Campus food drive to benefit the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf
Non-perishable food items may be dropped off throughout the week in the Davis Center atrium, Given/Rowell Brickyard, Waterman Building, College St. entrance, Patrick Gym lobby and the Fireplace Lounge in the Living/Learning Center.
Wednesday, Jan. 26: The Health Disparities of Vermonters
Tracy Dolan, deputy commissioner of public health, will deliver this keynote speech sponsored by the College of Medicine. The event is 6 to 7 p.m. in Carpenter Auditorium, Given Building with a reception immediately following.
Saturday, Jan. 29: Sweet Honey in the Rock at the Flynn
This Grammy Award-winning, all-female a cappella vocal ensemble embodies the rich textures of African-American legacy -- blues, spirituals, gospel, reggae, African chants, ancient lullabies and jazz improvisation. They will perform at 8 p.m. at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $29-$47, with 50 percent off for UVM faculty, staff and students with ID. Purchase tickets through the Flynn Center at www.flynncenter.org.
With the exception of the Flynn Center performance, all events are free and open to the public.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration is organized by the chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president for multicultural initiatives.