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

Syracuse University Office of Residence Life to sponsor ‘I Have a Dream Week’January 10, 2008Kelly 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 “The Man. The Dream. The Legacy.” Events will be held beginning Monday, Jan. 21, on the SU campus and culminate Friday, Jan. 25, with a Day of Service held at various locations throughout the City of Syracuse. The events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

“I Have a Dream Week” was created in 1999 and sponsored by the Office of Residence Life, a principal unit of SU’s Division of Student Affairs. The programs and activities of “I Have a 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.

The planned events and programs include the following:

Monday, Jan. 21 Candlelight Vigil commemorating King’s legacyHendricks Chapel Steps, 7 p.m. Those gathered will reflect on the legacy and teachings of King. Remarks will be offered by Rachael Gazdick, director of Community Engagement and Integrative Learning at Hendricks Chapel and chair of the committee planning Syracuse University’s 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The candlelight vigil is sponsored by the Residence Hall Association and the Office of Residence Life.

Gospel Extravaganza Hendricks Chapel Steps, 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the vigil, gospel music will be performed by the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble of Syracuse University.

Tuesday, Jan. 22 “Capturing the Dream” Art Display ReceptionPanasci Lounge, Schine Student Center, 5-7 p.m. This art display will feature the work of students from Franklin Magnet and Dr. King schools in Syracuse. The artists’ pieces will relate to the life, legacy and dream of King. A reception will follow.

Wednesday, Jan. 23 Keynote address by Dorothy CottonWatson Theatre, 7 p.m. Dorothy Cotton was the education director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) from 1960-68. In that capacity, she worked closely with King and other civil rights leaders, directing the Citizenship Education Program (CEP). The now famous CEP was designed to train and empower disenfranchised citizens while developing local leadership in the South and promoting nonviolent social change. Later, she served as the vice president for field operations for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, where she was a leader and senior trainer for the center in the areas of nonviolence and empowerment for leadership.

Thursday, Jan. 24Poetry to the People Watson Theatre, 7 p.m. The performance is a unique blend of civil rights and eroticism, self adoration and social acceptance that is unreserved yet mysterious and based on both truth and fantasy, by Poetry to the People — poets, performance artists and human rights advocates Milton Jackson and Kendall Exume.

Friday, Jan. 25 Day of Service Various locations throughout Syracuse, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the ORL’s Diversity and Civic Engagement committees.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. Contact George Athanas at gathanas@syr.edu for more information or to register.

Performance ShowcaseSchine Underground, Schine Student Center, 7 p.m. This showcase will display the talents of various SU clubs/organizations and is a cultural exchange that will give the performers the opportunity to express the dream through the art of dance. Free tickets are required and may be obtained at the Schine Box Office, 443-4517.

For more information on these events, contact Michelle Singletary at 443-3637 or msinglet@syr.edu.