UNH celebrates MLK Jan. 22-26

By Denise Hart, Media Relations

Kevin Powell, journalist, poet, hip-hop historian and community activist, is the keynote speaker at UNH’s 2005 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Jan. 26. This year’s three-day celebration focuses on the theme “Each one, reach one: to act, inspire, and lead,” kicking off with a student activism conference Jan. 22.

Kevin Powell

Powell is the author of six books and has written articles for Vibe, The New York Times Magazine, Essence and Rolling Stone and appeared on national television speaking about politics and culture. His most recent book is Who’s Gonna Take The Weight? Manhood, Race, and Power in America, an Essence magazine bestseller. He edited Who Shot Ya?, a chronicle of the hip-hop movement as seen through the lens of photographer Ernie Paniccioli. Powell began his career as a cast member of MTV’s “The Real World” in the early 90s.

“We are challenging members of the extended UNH community to venture beyond remembrance and celebration to asking how we can carry on King’s work for social justice, community service and respect for all people,” says Irene Kao, multicultural coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and chair of the celebration planning committee.

The celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. includes:

Jan 22: 1st Service and Activism Conference, MUB Strafford Room, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The conference is oriented toward students and will explore pathways in community participation and how to be a change agent. Info: http://www.unh.edu/serve/mlkconf.htm

Jan. 25: Candlelight vigil, lawn outside Health Services, 6 p.m.; Spiritual celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., Community Church of Durham, 6:30-8 p.m.

Jan. 26: Student Leadership and Activism: Voice and Action Panel Discussion featuring Kevin Powell, faculty and students, MUB, Strafford Room, 2-4 p.m. A reading packet is available online at the celebration’s web site (see below); Keynote address with Kevin Powell, Johnson Theatre, PCAC, 7 p.m. The UNH Diversity Team and Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will present the second annual Social Justice Awards, followed by a reception and book-signing with Powell in The Art Gallery.

For updated information about the event visit: www.unh.edu/insidescoop/mlk or call Irene Kao at 2-5053.