Martin Luther King Jr.
The university community has planned several activities to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20. All events are free and open to the public.
- "Let Freedom Ring" carillon concert, Jan. 15 (11:50 a.m., central campus). ISU carilloneur Tin-Shi Tam will play musical selections dedicated to the memory of King (live webcast).
- Documentary and discussion, Slavery by Another Name, Jan. 15 (7 p.m., Memorial Union, South Ballroom). Following the Civil War, new forms of forced labor emerged in the American South, keeping many African-Americans in bondage until World War II. Brian Behnken, associate professor of history, will lead a discussion following the 90-minute film.
- Community birthday celebration, Jan. 20 (6 p.m., Ames Middle School, 3915 Mortensen Rd). Celebrate King's birthday with cake, music and stories. A program begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Legacy convocation, Jan. 23 (3:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). Celebrate King's legacy and learn how his global vision for equality still is relevant today. The program features The Loving Story, a documentary about interracial marriage in the United States. A panel discussion will follow the film. The Advancing One Community Awards also will be presented.
- Lecture, "The History of White People," Nell Irvin Painter, Jan. 29 (8 p.m., MU Great Room). Painter is the Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita, at Princeton University, and the author of The History of White People and other books.
- Documentary and discussion, Freedom Riders, Feb. 3 (7 p.m., MU South Ballroom). From May through November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans traveled together on trains and buses throughout the South. The group was called the Freedom Riders, and its actions were met with racism and mob violence. Freedom Riders chronicles their journey. Brian Behnken, associate professor of history, will lead a discussion following the film.
