Why should Martin Luther King Jr. have just one day? For the next two weeks at Northwestern, students can participate in MLK Day observance events and celebrations of black culture filled with impactful experiences to be remembered far into the future. Here is your guide to these events; whether you want to watch a play, listen to a speaker or perform community service, there's bound to be an activity for you.
SERVE: MLK Day of Service - Rogers Park, Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
On Monday, students will rise early and join other community volunteers downtown in Rogers Park to paint hallways and improve learning spaces at Gale Community Academy.
REFLECT: Candlelight Vigil with Don Thompson - Alice Millar Chapel, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.Alpha Phi Alpha, the fraternity that Martin Luther King Jr. belonged to, will host the candlelight vigil in Alice Millar Chapel. Those gathered will experience musical performances by student groups, an address by engineer and business executive Don Thompson, and a post-event reception.
Keynote Speaker Charles M. Blow - Ryan Auditorium, Jan. 25, 6 p.m.
The New York Times op-ed columnist and CNN commentator Charles M. Blow is coming to speak at Northwestern about issues varying from racial inequality to police violence. Northwestern music groups will also be performing.
If you are more offended by racist people being called racist than by the racism itself then there is an EXTREMELY high probability that you too are a racist!
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 15, 2018
EXPERIENCE: Afrocensored - Shanley Pavilion, Jan. 18 and 20, 8 p.m.
Afrocensored is a play about three black women traveling in Paris who are able to find unity, despite coming from very different backgrounds and experiences.
Lift Ev’ry Voice - McCormick Auditorium, Jan. 19, 7 - 8 p.m.
At this open mic night showcasing the voices of black Northwestern students, performers will share songs, plays, poems, short films and speeches. If you arrive early, grab something to eat from the buffet reception in the Wildcat Room in Norris at 6:30 p.m.
Chains on Chocolate - Shanley Pavilion, Jan. 20, 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.
This play follows the lives of black men to demonstrate how slavery has transformed into modern forms of oppression throughout America’s history.
CREATE: Witness Quilt - Block Museum of Art, Jan. 31, 6 - 9 p.m.
Melissa Blount, creator of the Black Lives Matter Witness Quilt, will lead students in creating a new work of art – no sewing experience required! If you’re interested, remember to RSVP.
LEARN: Inside Chicago - McCormick Auditorium, Jan. 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Local community leaders will lead students and interested members of the public in an interactive program featuring short videos about Chicago’s history of race relations. Come hungry because the program will be followed by a buffet dinner in the Wildcat Room in Norris.
CELEBRATE: Harambee Celebration - Norris Louis Room, Jan. 26, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Harambee is a Swahili word that means to "pull together." In the spirit of unity, enjoy performances, music and food in a celebration that will bring together the Northwestern community.