January 22,
2007
Tributes to King focus on injustice
Jackson
The idea of fighting injustice may seem
straightforward, but it can take on many forms and even sound quite
different at times.
That is especially true this year at the University,
where students, faculty, and staff are taking part in a series of events
that pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Titled “Linked Fate: ‘Injustice Anywhere is
a Threat to Justice Everywhere’,” the program features talks,
film screenings, and an art exhibition that examine historic and
contemporary civil rights struggles around the world. The events culminate
with the Martin Luther King Commemorative Address featuring the Rev. Jesse
Jackson on Friday, January 26, in Strong Auditorium at 4 p.m.
Jackson, an activist who focuses on human rights issues
and on promoting economic and social justice, worked with King at the
Southern Leadership Conference in the mid-1960s. His talk, which is free
and open to the public, is sponsored by the College Diversity Roundtable
and the Office of the President. The commemorative address was instituted
in 2001 to promote issues of diversity, freedom, civil rights, and
social justice.
“This year’s theme of linked fate certainly
speaks to Martin Luther King’s beliefs. We think of him in the civil
rights movement but his dream was for the world,” says Ben Ebenhack,
senior lecturer in chemical engineering.
Ebenhack will examine the injustices surrounding energy
and its availability globally during a presentation at 7 p.m. on Monday,
January 22, in Hoyt Auditorium. The talk is one example of the broad nature
of events this year commemorating King. Offering multiple perspectives on
King’s message of nonviolence and justice was the goal of student
groups such as the Pride Network, the Black Students’ Union, and
Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity who helped develop the program.
“It just kind of evolved,” says Kelly
Clark, cochair of MLK Commemorative Address Committee. “The theme
really struck a chord with the campus. To have it interpreted in so many
ways is very impressive.”
The F Word : Images of Fovgiveness is on view through January 31 in the Interfaith Chapel.
The committee was instrumental in bringing The F Word: Images of Forgiveness to the River Campus. The international traveling exhibition
features photographs and narratives of people whose lives were affected by
violence, tragedy, or injustice, but who rejected revenge in favor of
reconciliation.
Clark says the thought-provoking exhibit will offer
viewers an opportunity to reflect on stories that, although seemingly
unrelated, illustrate King’s tenet of peace and good will.
Marquis Harrison ’07, who also cochairs the
committee, says that although the idea of “linked fate” took on
many different manifestations, the mission remained the same.
“We have a bigger duty to look out for our fellow
human beings. That’s something that I hope students will take away
from this Martin Luther King celebration week,” Harrison adds.
While the University will continue to pay tribute to
King in the years ahead through sponsored programs, President Seligman
recently announced that starting in 2008 the University also will cancel
classes in all six schools on Martin Luther King Day to allow students to
take advantage of activities and events.
For details about this year’s program honoring
King, visit www.rochester.edu/news/MLK.
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