Grand Valley State University celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of events highlighted by a ceremony emphasizing the next generation.
Multimedia star Malik Yoba will lead a silent march through GVSU's Allendale campus on Monday. Beginning at noon, participants will march from Zumberge Library to the Cook Carillon Tower. Student reflections on the life of King are planned for 12:30 p.m., followed by remarks from Yoba.
Yoba will also speak during a reception planned for 5 p.m. on Monday in Henry Hall. A community presentation, featuring Yoba, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Ford Fieldhouse, on the campus on Grand Rapids Community College.
Named by New York Times Magazine as one of 30 young artists who will shape American culture, Yoba has starred on television (New York Undercover) and film (Ride, Soul Food, Smoke, Cop Land, among others). Yoba is also a well-known activist and has been lauded by President Clinton for his work with youth.
The theme of the week is Remember! Celebrate! Act! Other events on the Allendale campus include the following:
¿ Tuesday, January 16, 12 noon: Candlelight service and Gospel Fest. Music provided by Voices of GVSU, followed by 15-minute candlelight vigil. Refreshments served, no charge. Cook-DeWitt Center.
¿ Wednesday, January 17, 7-9 p.m.: Play titled The Meeting, actors answer the question, What would have happened if Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. met before they were both assassinated? Kirkhof Center, Pine River Room. Sponsored by the Black Student Union, no charge.
¿ Thursday, January 18, 1 p.m.: Box lunch and discussion, What would Dr. King have to say today? Kirkhof Center, Muskegon River Room. Reservations required, call 895-2177.
For more information on any of these events, call the Office of Minority Affairs at 895-2177.
