The College’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Series, kicking off Monday, Jan. 17, features a variety of activities, from the “Hajabi Monologues” to a seminar that challenges participants’ powers of observation.
“This year’s holiday observance is connected to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of co-education at Union,” said Director of Multicultural Affairs Karen Ferrer-Muñiz. “We are devoting three events to educational lectures with speakers and workshops. Dr. King’s focus on social justice included women’s rights.”
The schedule:
Monday, Jan. 17, 8:30-11:30 a.m. / Convention Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany
Event: New York State Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Memorial Observance, featuring Union College Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir. This non-denominational ensemble promotes self-expression through the singing of contemporary and traditional religious songs, performing for the College and the local community.
Contact: Gretchel Hathaway, hathawag@union.edu
Monday, Jan. 17, 5:30 p.m. / Nott Memorial
Event: “Hijabi Monologues: The Women Under the Head Scarves,” a play that examines a simple piece of clothing and the complex reactions to it in the U.S. This powerful storytelling experience is designed to create a space for American Muslim women to share experiences, use their voices and connect with others.
Sponsors: Campus Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Africana Studies, Multifaith Council, Muslim Students Association, Black Students Union, Women’s Union, Shakti, UNITAS
Contact: Viki Brooks, brooksv@union.edu
Thursday, Jan. 20, 6-7 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Auditorium
Event: “The Art of Perception” with facilitator Amy Herman, a seminar designed to enhance observation and communication skills. Since 2000, this program has educated thousands of individuals from a broad range of fields. Participants analyze works of art and present their observations to their peers, to discern distinctions between perception and inference.
Sponsors: Campus Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Africana Studies, Dean of Students Office, Student Activities Office, Residential Life, Women’s and Gender Studies, UNITAS
Contact: Krista Anderson, residence director, College Park Hall, andersk2@union.edu
More information: http://artfulperception.com/
Friday, Jan. 28, 12:55-1:45 p.m. / Sadock Women’s and Gender Studies Lounge, Reamer Campus Center 301
Event: “Freeing the Secret: Feminism and the Politics of Confession,” Valerie J. Hoffman ’75 2010-11 Lecture Series, featuring Jillian Locke, associate professor and chair, Department of Political Science at Gustavus Adolphus College, and co-editor of “Feminist Interpretations of Alexis de Tocqueville” (Penn State University Press, 2009)
Contact: Lori Marso, marsol@union.edu