Florida State University will honor the legacy of the late Martin Luther King Jr. during its 31st Annual MLK Week from Tuesday, Jan. 15, through Tuesday, Jan. 22. The weeklong celebration will include events inspired by the theme “More than the Dream.”
The goal of the week is to bring the FSU and Tallahassee communities together to reflect on the past and challenge one another to be engaged in creating social justice and advocating for the civil rights of all.
Closing out the week is “An Evening with Charles Blow” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Blow is a New York Times columnist known for his fearless brand of political and social commentary in print and on TV.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, Jan. 15
MLK Block Party, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Moore Auditorium Courtyard
The week kicks off with a block party hosted by the six Student Government Association agencies, celebrating King’s transformative life and legacy. Attendees can enjoy birthday treats, fun activities, giveaways, free food and music.
Wednesday, Jan. 16
MLK Market Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Moore Auditorium Courtyard
Guests will continue to explore more than the dream at Market Wednesday through an interactive quest! Student organizations will have interactive activities at their tables such as trivia wheels, social media check-ins and more. Those who complete the quest will be eligible for fun prizes.
Thursday, Jan. 17
“The Hate You Give” Screening & Panel Discussion, 6 p.m., Student Life Cinema
“The Hate You Give” follows the life of Starr Carter who is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives ¾ and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.
A panel discussion facilitated by distinguished faculty, alumni and students will follow the 6 p.m. screening. Additional screenings of the film will take place at 6 and 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 18, and Saturday, Jan. 19. The event, which is free and open to the public is hosted by the MLK Week Celebration Committee and the Student Life Cinema.
Monday, Jan. 21
Martin Luther King Jr. “Dare to Dream” Festival, 12 – 4 p.m., Cascades Park
This citywide event will allow attendees to gather in reverence of King’s legacy, honor his dream and inspire others to pursue their own. Following the MLK Memorial March, the event will feature live musical performances, theatrical showcases, historical exhibits, local vendors, dancing and children’s attractions.
Tuesday, Jan. 22
Discovering the Past: A Dialogue about Tallahassee History, 5:30 p.m., Claude Pepper Center
Tallahassee has a rich history of activism and social justice engagement from the civil rights movement through present day. Join the MLK Week Celebration committee by engaging in dialogue about the local community and the people who were at the forefront of creating change during the civil rights movement. Light refreshments will be provided.
An Evening with Charles Blow, 7 p.m., Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
The Golden Tribe Lecture Series is an academically focused speaker series, which attempts to connect students to outstanding individuals who are either experts in their field or working at the forefront of a relevant political or social issue. Attendees will hear from Charles Blow, an author, New York Times columnist and political commentator. The event, sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Golden Tribe Lecture Series, is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit http://sga.fsu.edu/mlk_week.shtml.