Florida State celebrating King's dreams

The Florida State University is celebrating the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during a weeklong commemoration of his life that includes artistic performances, a brain bowl, commemorative march and a community service event.

“Dr. King’s legacy will continue locally at FSU as we celebrate his dream for a just and equal society,” said Juan Guardia, Florida State’s director of Multicultural Affairs.

Events include:

Dinner Dialogue on Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the Florida Ballroom, where keynote speaker Robert Page Jr., director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Kansas, will speak with his audience regarding multicultural affairs and social justice issues.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13, the Florida State chapter of the NAACP will lead a simulated civil rights march starting at 10 a.m. The march, which local elementary and middle school students are invited to attend, is scheduled to begin outside of the Westcott Building, proceed to the Integration Statue and conclude in the Oglesby Union Ballrooms. Immediately following the march, the commemorative program will begin at 11 a.m. in the ballrooms with Page giving the keynote address.

During the program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award will be given to the nominee who exemplifies outstanding service in keeping with the principles and ideals of Dr. King.

Additionally, the FSU Black Alumni Association and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will distribute six Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Book Stipend Awards to students at the program.

Also, an evening of poetry and self-expression will take place on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at Club DownUnder.

The Springfield Community Center will be home to the celebration’s community service project on the National Day of Service, Monday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guardia said FSU is very excited about having keynote speaker Robert Page Jr. join the celebration: “Through his work in academic and student affairs, Mr. Page embodies the values and ideals of Dr. King.”

Page has more than 20 years of postsecondary educational experience. At the University of Kansas, he specializes in retention and recruitment programs for students of color, diversity training and awareness, conference coordination, budgeting and strategic planning and motivating students to achieve at their highest potential.

Page holds a Master of Science degree in counseling from Central Missouri State University and has conducted numerous workshops, seminars and keynotes on issues with a focus on inclusion and leadership potential. He also has founded many educational programs including the National Black Greek Leadership Conference.

Members of the community are encouraged to join in the celebration. All events, except the scholar workshops and Dinner Dialogue, are free and open to the public.