Born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most important and influential figures in American History.  A charismatic leader, King was best known for his stances on civil rights, helping the less fortunate, and supporting a nonviolent approach to differences among people of all backgrounds.

King received his BA in Sociology in 1948 from Morehouse College.  He was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, following the path of both his father and grandfather in becoming a Reverend.  While having received many honorary degrees over his lifetime, his actual Ph.D. degree was awarded in 1955 from Harvard University.

An enthusiastic speaker, King may be best known for his speech “March On Washington”, delivered in Washington DC in 1963.  It was there where King said the famous line -"I have a dream [3] that my four little children will one day live in nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

While in town to help workers protest against low wages and unsatisfactory working conditions in Memphis, King was shot and killed outside of his hotel room on April 4, 1968., James Earl Ray was arrested and convicted of the murder and was sentenced to 99 years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary.

There is no question about King’s impact on not only the Civil Rights movement during his lifetime, but also to modern day.  He believed in a hopeful, peaceful country where everyone was considered equal and fought for those rights until the end.

In order to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there are several events happening in Louisville.

MLK Jr. Celebration

Dosker Manor Bldg. A - Cafeteria

Friday January, 18 2008

1:30 - 3:30 PM

Bingo, MLK trivia, prizes and refreshments in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please contact 574-1157 for more information.

MAEP Martin Luther King Jr. program
Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Room 100, Bingham Humanities Building, Belknap Campus U of L
Admission is free and open to the public

His talk and the program, which will include poetry readings and music by the Youth Performing Arts Chamber Choir and the UofL Black Diamond Choir, are sponsored by the Office for Multicultural Academic Enrichment Programs

Many Voices, One Vision: Global Unity
Jan. 21, 1 p.m.
Playhouse, Belknap Campus at the corner of Third Street and Cardinal Boulevard U of L
Admission is free and open to the public

Tonea Stewart, film and television actress and chair of the Alabama State University theater department, will speak

Showings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech 

Muhammad Ali Center

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, the Muhammad Ali Center will show the film of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech given in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Plus, enjoy a fun and enlightening family activity that focuses on influential figures in history: Dr. King and Muhammad Ali.

Hours: “I Have a Dream” Show Schedule
Monday – Friday: 10:15 a.m., 12:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m.
Saturday: 12 noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

For Additional Information:

Call (502) 584-9254 or go online to www.alicenter.org [4]

The Louisville Orchestra Presents A Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert

Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway

Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 3pm

This event is free and will feature Gheens Great Expectations Artist Stewart Goodyear & The Messengers for Christ Choir. Mayor Jerry Abramson will be presenting the Freedom Award to the Rev. Jim Chatham.  The concert begins at 3pm but join the early celebrations at 2pm with the Louisville Leopard Percussionists.

For additional information, please go to: www.LouisvilleOrchestra.org [5]

Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt

Speed Art Museum 2035 South Third Street

The Speed Art Museum is honoring and celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering free admission this special exhibit.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inaugural 2008 Unity Breakfast

The Galt House Hotel & Suites

140 N 4^th street

8:00 am

The Steward’s Staff will be sponsoring this celebration.  The Unity Breakfast is a new staple event in our community driving the need to foster greater cross-cultural bonds. Keynote speakers from various cultures will be featured during this celebration.

The cost of the event is $20

Please call 742-6927 or visit www.stewardstaff.org [6] for more information