Syracuse University Office of Residence Life to sponsor ‘I Have a Dream Week’

Syracuse University Office of Residence Lifeto sponsor ‘I Have a Dream Week’January 13, 2005Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Office of Residence Life will sponsor a series of programs and events celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during “I Have a Dream Week.” This year’s theme is “Rejoicing in the Dream: Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.” Events will be held beginning Jan. 24 on the SU campus and culminate Jan. 29 with a Day of Service held at various locations throughout the City of Syracuse. The events are free and open to the public.

The planned events and programs include the following:

Oratory Contest

The Office of Residence Life Diversity Committee is sponsoring its first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Contest to encourage students to think critically about King’s legacy of peace and justice through delivery of his lesser-known speeches. Students are invited to reflect on the impact of the King legacy on their own lives. The theme of the contest is “Voices of the Dream,” and the contest is open to all SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students. For guidelines and rules, contact Tremayne Robertson at 443-3002 or trrobert@syr.edu. Participants will perform and be judged at the “Voices of the Dream” event on Jan. 27.

Monday, Jan. 24 Candlelight Vigil commemorating King’s legacyHendricks Chapel steps, 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to gather for a candlelight vigil on the steps of Hendricks Chapel. Together, the assembly will reflect on the legacy and teachings of Dr. King.

Gospel ExtravaganzaSchine Underground, 7:30 p.m.

Immediately following the candlelight vigil, the assembly will enjoy free, public gospel music by members of the SU community.

Tuesday, Jan. 25Capturing the DreamPanasci Lounge, Schine Student Center, 5-7 p.m.

This art display will feature the work of members of the SU community, local artists and school children. The artists’ pieces will relate to the life, legacy and dream of Dr. King. A reception will follow.

Wednesday, Jan. 26“Citizen King”Watson Theatre, 8 p.m.

According to filmmakers Orlando Bagwell and Noland Walker, “Citizen King” explores the last five years of King’s life by drawing on the personal recollections and eyewitness accounts of friends, movement associates, journalists, law enforcement officers and historians, to illuminate this lesser-known chapter in the story of America’s most important and influential moral leader. Framed by the Lincoln Memorial speech and his assassination in Memphis, Tenn., “Citizen King” traces King’s effort to recast himself by embracing causes beyond the civil rights movement-to “transform and re-structure the whole of American society.” A facilitated discussion will follow the film. Sponsored by University Union Cinemas.

Thursday, Jan. 27Voices of the DreamGoldstein Student Center Dining Area, 7 p.m.

Don Sawyer, associate director for diversity initiatives at SU, is renowned for his poetic stylings. He will host an open mic night for students to creatively express the meaning of “Rejoicing in the Dream” through poetry, song and dance.

Those who wish to perform must register with Tremayne Robertson at 443-3002 or trrobert@syr.edu by Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. Performers will be limited to one piece and content must follow the theme/title for the event and be appropriate for all audiences. Participants in the Oratory Contest will also perform and be judged at this event.

Friday, Jan. 28Dancing in the DreamGoldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center, 7 p.m.

This dance showcase will display the talents of various SU dance troupes and is a cultural exchange that will give the performers the opportunity to express the dream through the art of dance.

Saturday, Jan. 29Day of ServiceVarious locations throughout Syracuse

Participants will bring King’s words to life through service to the greater Syracuse community. Those who wish to participate will be bused to various community service sites throughout Syracuse. Participants must register through their community council advisor or with Josh Lawrie at 443-1885 or jdlawrie@syr.edu.

“I Have a Dream” is a weeklong celebration of events created in 1999 by the Office of Residence Life. The programs and activities of “Dream Week” are centered on King’s life and legacy, and are aimed at fostering awareness about his teachings and work, as well as the civil rights movement. For more information on these events, contact Christina Davis at 443-4335 or cdavis04@syr.edu.