Union kicks off its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Series Monday, Jan. 18. The week’s activities range from a community service fair and home-cooked dinner to a drama by a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson.
“The importance of serving others was one of Dr. King’s biggest doctrines as a social justice leader,” said Director of Multicultural Affairs Karen Ferrer-Muñiz, whose office is heading this effort. “One of the most important ways to bring about social justice is to serve others – by getting together to improve each others’ lives, and working to improve social equality by volunteering your skills and time.”
The Volunteer Opportunities Fair will bring in organizations from throughout the Capital Region to show students how to get involved. Several community-building events are designed to bring together Union students, faculty and staff. The schedule:
Monday, Jan. 18, 12:30-2 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center, Room 305
Building Community at Union: Desserts from Around the World & Conversations with Participants of the Civil Rights Public History Mini-Term
Sponsors: Campus Diversity, Multicultural Affairs, History Department. Contact: Karen Ferrer-Muñiz, ferrermk@union.edu
Tuesday, Jan. 19, noon-4 p.m. / Old Chapel
Building the Dream through Service: 2010 Volunteer Opportunities Fair; explore service opportunities with more than 20 different campus and community organizations
Sponsors: Kenney Community Center, Wells House. Contact: Angela Tatem, tatema@union.edu
Friday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. / Yulman Theater
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” a 1982 August Wilson play that tells the story of a recording session with blues legend Ma Rainey and the white producer and agent who profited from her recordings. Set in 1920s Chicago, it deals with issues of race, art, religion and exploitation. Performed by a touring company of Hamilton College students and directed by Hamilton Theater Department Chair Mark Cryer.
Sponsor: Department of Theater and Dance. Contact: Charles Steckler, stecklec@union.edu
Sunday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. / Blue House
A Celebration of Community: Cook, Chew, Chat. Join the Black Student Union, faculty and administrators for a home-cooked meal and a discussion about community.
Signup: Student Activities Office. Contact: Arkeisha Pace ’11, pacea@union.edu