Paying homage to the late Martin Luther King Jr., Florida State University will host its 28th Annual MLK Week beginning Monday, Jan. 11, through Tuesday, Jan. 19. The weeklong celebration will include activities and events inspired by the theme “Know [His]tory, Live Our Story, Be the Legacy.”
Headlining the week is “An Evening with Jelani Cobb” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Cobb is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where he focuses on the subjects of race, the police and injustice. Cobb also is an associate professor of history and director of the Africana Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut.
Sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Golden Tribe Lecture Series, the free event is open to the public, but priority admission will be given to Florida State students with a valid ID. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The entire week of events will serve to bring together the Tallahassee community to reflect on the past and challenge each other to be engaged in creating social justice and advocating for the civil rights of all.
Events are free unless otherwise noted and open to the public:
Monday, Jan. 11
“Selma,” 7:30 p.m., Askew Student Life Cinema: Based on true events, Martin Luther King Jr. and his fellow activists lead the march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in support of voting rights and to hold steadfast in unity over the misdeeds against them.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Market Wednesday MLK Week Celebration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Oglesby Union Courtyard: Pay tribute to the legacy of MLK through special performances and presentations from various recognized student organizations on campus, and join in a march from the Integration Statue to the Union Courtyard.
History of Diversity at FSU, 7 to 9 p.m., Strozier Library Café: Learn fun and little-known facts about how Florida State created and continues to add to the melting pot that is FSU.
Thursday, Jan. 14
Voter Registration Block Party, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., SLC Courtyard: In honor of King’s crusade for voting rights among the African American community, the Office of Governmental Affairs will host a voter registration drive. The event will include fun activities, a live DJ and free food.
MLK High School Scholars, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dunlap 2201/2202: The Center for Leadership and Social Change welcomes Leon County high school students to be recognized as “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars.” Selected students will join mentors from Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Florida A&M for a half-day full of dialogue and sharing their experiences in college. Those interested in serving as mentors should contact Amber Hampton at aehampton@fsu.edu. A brief training will take place prior to the half-day program.
Friday, Jan. 15
Block Party, 4-6 p.m., Courtyard Commons: The Center for Leadership and Social Change, The Globe and the Askew Student Life Center will host a birthday block party in honor of MLK. There will be snacks, games and opportunities for students to learn about multiple resources available to the FSU community. The Conversation Couch, hosted by Project Conversation, will be there to discuss current events and the issues surrounding race in America.
Monday, Jan. 18
The Freedom March, 9 a.m., CK Steele Plaza, 111 W Tennessee St.: Join the Tallahassee Branch and Florida State University Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in a march to remember the life and legacy of King and the other civil rights leaders who made it possible for equality and justice.
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Dinner Dialogue, 5:30 p.m.: This event will provide students, faculty, staff and Tallahassee community members the opportunity to interact with Jelani Cobb, the 2016 MLK Celebration Week keynote speaker. Dinner is provided for guests. Those wishing to attend must submit an online form.
For more information, visit http://sga.fsu.edu/mlk_week/calendar.shtml.