Drew Offers Event Series on MLK’s Legacy
MADISON, NJ—The election of the nation’s first black
president marks the realization of a dream articulated by Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. more than 40 years ago. To
commemorate Dr. King’s 1964 appearance at Drew University, the school is
planning a three-part look back at the civil rights movement. Members of the community are welcome to join
Drew students, faculty, staff and alumni at all three events, which be held on
the school’s Madison campus.
On February 4, former Congressman William H. Gray III will
speak on 21st century civil rights challenges. Gray, a graduate of the Drew Theological
School, is currently the chairman of the Amani Group, a business advisory
firm. Prior to this, he was the
president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, the nation’s largest and
oldest minority education assistance organization. While in congress representing Pennsylvania’s
second district, he became the first African American to serve as the House of
Representatives’ majority whip and chair of the Budget Committee.
On February 22, the Drew Community Choir—an
intergenerational group from Drew and the surrounding community—will perform
both secular and religious freedom-themed songs. Under the direction of composer and organist
Mark A. Miller, the concert will feature a multimedia presentation on social
activism at Drew from the 1960s to the present.
King’s on-campus appearance in 1964 will be featured.
The final event, “All God’s Children: Global Justice and
Equality,” will be held on February 26.
Four panelists from the Drew faculty will tackle the question of whether
King’s iconic dream has been realized or not.
They will explore the topics of social justice and equality at the
local, regional and global levels.
Ultimately, the panel will focus on ways to bring freedom, equality and
prosperity to all.
For more information about this series, please visit www.drew.edu/MLK or contact
Melissa Fuest in Drew’s office of Alumni/ae Relations at 973/408-3695 or e-mail
mfuest@drew.edu.
###
