Jan. 7, 2014 – The University of Utah presents its 30th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-23.
The theme for this year’s event is “Beneath the Hoodie: A Look at Racial Profiling in America.” A conversation with Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, and a keynote address by award-winning journalist, activist and author Marc Lamont Hill headline the week’s activities.
MLK Week activities at the University of Utah include:
A Conversation with Sybrina Fulton: Mother of Trayvon Martin
Jan. 16, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Olpin Student Union Building, Ballroom, 200 Central Campus Dr.
Sybrina Fulton’s 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, was shot by George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of second-degree murder in July. Since Martin’s death, Fulton has spoken against the controversial ruling and raised awareness of racial, ethnic and gender profiling. Fulton will meet with students and community members to answer questions and participate in a discussion with the audience.
Day of Service
Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Olpin Student Union Building, Union Food Court, 200 Central Campus Dr.
A light breakfast will be served followed by a carpool to various service project sites at 9 a.m. Those interested may pre-register here.
March for Youth
Jan. 20, rally at 2 p.m., East High School auditorium, 840 S. 1300 East
March to follow at 2:30 p.m.
The University of Utah and greater Salt Lake community commemorate the Rev. France A. Davis Scholarship, established in 2008. The scholarship provides African American students with financial assistance, mentoring and academic support. A brief presentation will be given by the Rev. France A. Davis at East High School, followed by a 1.3-mile March for Youth to Kingsbury Hall on the U campus. Donations accepted at the end of the march go toward the scholarship fund.
Campus and Community Panel Discussion: “Positive Youth Development: Community Resistance to Institutionalized Racial Profiling”
Jan. 21, Noon – 2 p.m.
Hinckley Institute of Politics, Orson Spencer Hall, Room 253, 260 Central Campus Dr.
Jennifer Napier-Pearce of the Salt Lake Tribune will facilitate a panel discussion about the damaging effects of racial profiling and how to combat it. Panelists include Chris Burbank, Salt Lake City police chief; Debbie Rocha, director of Salt Lake Early Intervention Services; Brenda Valles, director of Research and Assessment at the U; and Theresa Martinez, associate professor in the Department of Sociology at the U.
Cultural Performance by Joaquin Zihuatanejo
Jan. 22, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Olpin Student Union Building, Ballroom, 200 Central Campus Dr.
Award-winning teacher and poet Joaquin Zihuatanejo will demonstrate a dramatic and passionate spoken-word performance on youth and social issues faced today.
Film and Panel Discussion: C.O.P.-Crimes of Police
Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m.
College of Social and Behavioral Science Lecture Hall Building auditorium, 392 South 1530 East
“Crimes of Police” is a documentary on police brutality in American from the point of view of victims who have been racially profiled. Following the film, a panel of city officials, community members and the film’s director/producer will discuss the film.
Keynote address by Marc Lamont Hill
Jan. 23, Noon – 1 p.m.
Kingsbury Hall, 1395 Presidents Circle
Marc Lamont Hill is one of the leading hip-hop generation intellectuals in the country. His work, which covers topics such as culture, politics, education, racial profiling and the war on youth, has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, books and anthologies. Hill works with African American and Latino youth through a literacy project he started using hip-hop culture to increase school engagement and reading skills among high school students. He provides regular commentary for media outlets, including NPR, Washington Post, Essence Magazine, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times and Fox News Channel, where he was a political contributor and regular guest on The O’Reilly Factor.
While all events are free, tickets are required for the keynote address by Marc Lamont Hill. Tickets are available at Kingsbury Hall or by calling the Performing Arts Ticket Office at 801-581-7100. For more information on MLK Week at the U, visit the Office for Equity and Diversity.