This year, Hiram College is honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a celebration beginning on Sunday, January 17 and will continue through Monday, January 18, the holiday commemorating his life and work. Please see below for details on each event.
Sunday, January 17
Faiths Come Together: Dreamfest Live-Streamed National Interfaith Service – 3:30 p.m.
This special service will feature guest speaker Rev. Brenda Smith, Chicago, special music by Dr. Abe Caceres and a Gospel Choir, as well as a presentation by The MLK Project of NC State University. This event is sponsored by Christ the King Lutheran Church, Congregation Beth Shalom, Islamic Association/Cary Mosque, and the Cary Area Ministerial Alliance.
Live streamed from Christ the King Lutheran Church at www.ctkcary.com/dreamfest.
Monday, January 18
Standing at the Threshold – A Keynote Talk – 5 – 6 p.m. via Zoom
This year’s keynote speaker is Civil Rights activist and racial justice expert, Nekima Levy Pounds of Minneapolis, Minnesota—home of George Floyd. Pounds, a former tenured law professor, led the Minneapolis protest in response to Floyd’s death. Her firsthand experiences navigating the politics of race and racism will both challenge and inspire.
Hope and Action: A Student Panel Response to the Keynote Talk and Personal Perspectives on Race Relations & Zoom Candlelight Vigil – 7 – 8 p.m. via Zoom
Join student-athlete leaders as they reflect on their role in addressing critical social justice issues and take initiatives to enhance unity among the diverse groups within our community. Panelists will offer key themes from Nekima Levy Pounds’ keynote talk as well as share personal perspectives on race relations and social justice. The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil. A wickless candle can be picked up from the Welcome Center or a Resident Assistant.
Moderators: Todd Hibbs and Dee West
For additional information, please contact Dee West at westde@hiram.edu.
by Jenelle Bayus
