Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Continuing a tradition of more than four decades, Kansas State University will host an extended week of events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 20-31.

Showcasing national speakers, a film premier and fellowship, the celebration's theme is "The Dream is Still Our Beacon." This year's events reflect on King's legacy and remember the loss of President John F. Kennedy 50 years ago, as well as the principles of equal opportunity and social justice for which both King and Kennedy stood, said Myra Gordon, the university's associate provost for diversity.

"Over the years, we have recaptured the magic of Dr. King's visit here, learned that K-State was present at his demise, and celebrated the dream of human rights, dignity and victory over poverty and discrimination, which were the hallmarks of his philosophy and activism," Gordon said. "
Each year we think we can do no better than the year before. Then we are blessed with wonderful new ways to celebrate. Dr. King's message is universal and our efforts to realize the dream will never falter."

The Manhattan premier of the film "A Long Road: Black History at K-State" will be at the annual Martin Luther King Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the K-State Alumni Center. The film features five iconic African-Americans at the university and their stories, spanning a period of more than 50 years. The luncheon also will include the Nicodemus Choir and an intergenerational commemoration ceremony. In addition, attendees can view the panels of the King Memorial on the National Mall that were created by the Union Program Council and the university's Division of Communications and Marketing. Reservations should be made early by filling out and submitting the reservation form at http://www.k-state.edu/diversity/2014MLKLunchReservation.htm by Friday, Jan. 24.

Another highlight of the week will be a performance by well-known gospel singer the Rev. Wintley Phipps Sr., who will be featured at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Memorial and Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the K-State Student Union Ballroom. Phipps has performed for every president since Jimmy Carter and for Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. The event will be followed by a hot chocolate social sponsored by the School of Leadership Studies. The candlelight vigil is the oldest Martin Luther King observance program activity at the university.

Other events during the week, all free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, include:

* Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, "Stories of Freedom," a mural creation.

* Saturday, Jan. 25, 1 p.m., Beach Museum of Art, the film "Soundtrack for a Revolution," featuring the songs of the civil rights movement.

* Monday, Jan. 27, 2:30 p.m., Kansas State University Salina's MLK Diversity Tea and Film Premier in the College Center Conference Room. The film "A Long Road: Black History at K-State" will be shown publicly for the first time. It was created by Tonnie Martinez, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at Kansas State University's College of Education, and Albert Bimper, senior associate athletic director for diversity and inclusion at Colorado State University.

* Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1:30 p.m., Cottonwood Room at the K-State Student Union, the College of Agriculture's 10th annual Diversity Student Leaders Program. The speaker will be Eric Banks, the first African-American to be named state conservationist of Kansas. Banks will tell his story and share the principles that have guided his life's journey.

* Tuesday, Jan. 28, 3:30 p.m., K-State Alumni Center, the Commerce Bank Awards Reception. This year's awardees are Marcus Bragg, senior in management information systems, and LaVerne Bitsie-Baldwin, director of the Multicultural Engineering Program in the College of Engineering.

* Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2:30 p.m., K-State Student Union's Forum Hall, the College of Business Administration's 15th annual Diversity Lecture. The speaker will be Chantal Veevaete, senior vice president of human resources for Phillips 66. Her lecture will be the international perspective on the work of King.

* Thursday, Jan. 30, 4 p.m., Union's Little Theatre, the College of Architecture, Planning & Design's sixth annual Diversity Lecture. The speaker will be Jay Siebenmorgen, design principal with NBBJ Design.

* Friday, Jan. 31, 2 p.m., Martin Luther King bust near Ahearn Field House, Laying of the Wreaths Ceremony. Marcelo Sabates, interim associate provost for international programs, will be the speaker.