UC Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Martin Luther King

The University of Cincinnati pays tribute to the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the program, “His Voice, Our Voice,” beginning at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the MainStreet Cinema of Tangeman University Center (TUC). The event is free and open to the public.

The program will feature keynote speaker Robert E. Richardson, Jr., the youngest person to be appointed to the UC Board of Trustees. Richardson was appointed to the UC Board of Trustees in 2008. He is executive director and founder of the Coalition for Sustainable Communities, a nonprofit development corporation which invests in development projects that are sustainable for both the community and the environment.

Richardson also serves as a construction market representative for the Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) for the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida.
Richardson earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from UC in 2002 and graduated with honors from UC’s College of Law in 2005. He was UC’s 2001-2002 Student Body President and as an undergraduate established the first college chapter of the NAACP in the Tristate at UC.

Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins, one of the program’s organizers and program director for UC’s African American Cultural and Resource Center (AACRC), adds that the program will include musical and artistic selections to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“His courage to speak openly and candidly about what must be done to create equality within American society provided inspiration for others to use their voices worldwide,” says Moore-Hawkins. “This year’s program will focus on the power within each of our voices and how we can use examples from those in our past to fuel our efforts today to secure an equal society.”

UC Provost Santa J. Ono will deliver opening remarks at the Jan. 11 program, which is sponsored by Student Affairs and Services, Student Life, AACRC, Ethnic Programs and Services, Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD), UC Women’s Center, UC-LGBTQ Center, Resident Education and Development, UC Foundation and the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

UC Blue Ash College Observances

UC Blue Ash College will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday with a display of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Dedication, which was held last summer in Washington, D.C. Photos showcasing the memorial process from its inception to its completion and dedication will be on display beginning Thursday, Jan. 12, in the Muntz Hall Lobby. The display runs through Jan. 17.

UC Clermont College College Observances

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the following events to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

Friday, Jan.13, in Snyder, Room 142: 

10 a.m.- noon: Film, "Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream."

Noon-1 p.m.: Clermont Professor Jim Westheider will speak about the Civil Rights Movement and the events that led up to the movement.

1-3 p.m.: Film, "Race, the Power of Illusion"

Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Snyder, Room 142

Noon-1 p.m.: Professor David Fankhauser will speak and answer questions regarding the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960’s and his experiences as a Freedom Rider.

1-3 p.m.: Film, "Freedom Riders"

Additional off-campus event:

Noon, Monday, Jan. 16 at Music Hall: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Celebration.

Keynote Speakers: Betty Daniels Rosemond and UC Clermont College Professor Dr. David Fankhauser; featuring the MLK, Jr. Chorale, area youth choirs and a new theatrical performance, Where Do We Stand?