Many events and lectures will be held this week in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and his important ongoing legacy in civil rights. The following events are just a few that will be offered by area institutions and organizations. For more events, search our events calendar at rochestercitynewspaper.com.
MSNBC Political Analyst Melissa Harris-Perry will deliver the University of Rochester's MLK Commemorative Address on Thursday, January 17, at 6 p.m. in Strong Auditorium on the River Campus. The free lecture will focus on racial issues, religious questions, and gender concerns related to American politics. The annual address kicks off the university's Black History Month celebration. For more information, visit rochester.edu.
The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Song Fest, featuring a 300-Voice Community Choir, will take place Saturday, January 19, at 6 p.m., at Aenon Baptist Church (175 Genesee St.). The event is free and open to the public, and is presented by The Black Student Caucus and the Program for Black Church Studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. For more information, visit crcds.edu/the-29th-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-gospel-song-fest/.
The Rochester Museum and Science Center (657 East Ave.) will celebrate Rochester's culture in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Saturday, January 19, through Monday, January 21, noon-4 p.m. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy music, dance, and art by performing groups from our city. The program will tie in RMSC's new exhibition, "RACE: Are We So Different?" The event is included in regular museum admission: $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students with ID, $11 for ages 3-18, and free for kids under 3 and RMSC members. For more information, call 271-4320, or visit rmsc.org.
Nazareth College (4245 East Ave.) will host Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, professor emeritus of African-American studies at Temple University, as the keynote speaker during its annual celebration of MLK Day on Monday, January 21. In addition to the free 4:30 p.m. lecture, held in Callahan Theatre in the Arts Center, the day will be filled with events including an 11:30 a.m. commemoration service in King's honor in the Golisano Academic Center Linehan Chapel, which will feature student speakers, singers, inspirational readings and dance. For more information, visit naz.edu.
The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at St. John Fisher College will take place Monday, January 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cleary Family Auditorium at St. John Fisher College (3690 East Ave.). This year's theme will be "All Freedom to Ring for All God's Children," and the Hon. Stephen T. Miller, Rochester City Court Judge and executive pastor of the Church of Love Faith Center, Inc., will serve as the keynote speaker. The celebration will also include a dance performance by Fisher students, poetry readings, and a scholarship presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit sjfc.edu.
