Pitt Marks King’s Legacy This Week With Films, Speakers, Discussions

The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development has coordinated The Power of You, a series of events to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Beginning today, The Power of You offers a variety of activities.

Mon., Jan. 14
The University Library System (ULS) will display various works about King in the Cup and Chaucer Cafe, Hillman Library ground floor.

1-3 p.m.
Hillman Library’s Dick Thornburgh Room
ULS presents Eyes on the Prize No Easy Walk (1961-1963), an acclaimed civil rights video series depicting King, the March on Washington, and other key events of the Civil Rights movement.

Tues., Jan. 15
1-4 p.m.
Litchfield Towers Lobby
Join the Residence Life Diversity Team for a birthday celebration for King.

8 p.m.
Nordy’s Place, William Pitt Union (WPU), lower level
Express your feelings for King and the Civil Rights Movement. Neo-soul band Hambone Jenkins will play while painter Monique Luck does live art-making. A blank canvas will be available for students to express themselves, celebrate, and consider the contributions and struggles to get where they are today. Presented by PITT ARTS, August Wilson Center for African American Culture, and Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development.

Wed., Jan. 16
Noon
4130 Posvar Hall
Mike-Frank G. Epitropoulos in Pitt’s Department of Sociology presents a discussion on King and his impact on international relations. Presented by the Global Studies Program.

3-5 p.m.
630 WPU
Members of the African American Alumni Council (AAAC) will share how King directly influenced their lives and career choices. This discussion will be facilitated by Valerie Njie, vice president of Bidwell Training Center and AAAC vice president of membership.

6-9:30 p.m.
630 WPU
One in Christ/Uno en Cristo presents The Power of Truth Through Film. The film Crash will be shown. Discussion will follow on how race can be transcended. Soul food will be provided.

Thurs., Jan. 17
1-3 p.m.
630 WPU
Watch the documentary From Jim Crow to Swastika. A discussion on Jewish and Black relationships during the Civil Rights Era will follow. Presented by the Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh and the Anti-Defamation League.

Fri., Jan. 18
3-5 p.m.
630 WPU
The Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development and Community of Reconciliation Church (COR) present the film, The Last King of Scotland, and a facilitated discussion with COR’s Denise Mason.

7 p.m.
WPU Ballroom
Power of Voice: Spoken Word, Live Drum and Dance Performance
Celebrate and share your voice. Read poetry, share a story, and perform any way you choose. Performances by the Shona Sherif African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Refreshments will be provided.

Mon., Jan. 21
8 a.m.
Sixth floor, WPU
Community service projects at the Center for Creative Play and the Jubilee Soup Kitchen. Meet at 8 a.m. to choose your site. There are a limited number of placements. Refreshments and transportation will be provided. Presented by the Black Action Society.

6-7:30 p.m.
Cathedral of Learning
The ninth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Vigil and March: “A Walk to End Violence,” from the Cathedral of Learning to the WPU Ballroom. The march will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by WAMO 106.7 FM’s Brian Cook, an American Urban Radio Network reporter. Presented by the men of the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Wed., Jan. 23
8:45 p.m.
WPU Ballroom
Cornell West, professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University, will speak. Presented by the Black Action Society. Doors open at 8 p.m.

In addition to the sponsors listed above, additional sponsors of The Power of You are the Pitt Alumni Association’s African American Alumni Council and the Department of Africana Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences.