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MLK Celebration Events

Portland State University presents

Dr. Martin Luther King Tribute Week

January 17 through January 21, 2011

Day-On, not a Day Off

  • Date: Monday, January 17, 2011
  • Time: 9:00 am
  • Location: Varies

A Day-On (not a day-off) of community service projects performed by PSU and metro area college students under the auspices of PSU’s Student Leaders for Service (SLS) http://www.pdx.edu/cae/home

College Athletics: Minority Participation, Marketing Symbols and NCAA Governance

  • Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011
  • Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

In focus will be the socio-economics of modern college sports, its impact on race and community relations, the symbolism of marketing instruments and the engagement of respective student bodies.  Professors Thabiti Lewis of Washington State University (Vancouver) and Cornel Pewewardy of Portland State will lead the forum and field questions. Similar issues in professional sports will also be discussed.

Conversation Circle: Brothers and Sisters Talking

  • Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011
  • Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha host an open discussion on issues facing the African American communities of PSU and the greater Portland metropolitan area.  Counterparts from all walks of life are encouraged to come and share perspectives in the student-driven social inventory.

Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis at 100

  • Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011
  • Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

The Queer Resource Center continues the tradition of spotlighting the stories of marginalized Americans who passionately contributed to the success of the civil rights movement in thought and deed. Ruth Ellis discovered her lesbian self in 1919 and has been an inspirational figure in the Detroit women’s and civil rights movement ever since. Join us for a screening of this moving documentary and discussion afterward.

Race and Media Matters

  • Date: Thursday, January 20, 2011
  • Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

This year’s Student Interactive Session will tackle the thorny issue of racial disparities and depictions in both the old and new media. What progress, if any, has been made in diversifying newsrooms and anchor chairs locally and nationally? Has the instantaneousness of new media helped or just blurred the picture even further? Join a stellar panel of experts including OPB President Steve Bass and KPTV reporter Tony Martinez for a lively discussion.

Fostering Unity in a Cultural Divide

  • Date: Thursday, January 20, 2011
  • Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Ballroom, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 335

“Fostering Unity in a Cultural Divide” is the theme on which this year’s tribute is based. Generally considered the marquee event, the keynote address will feature National Public Radio’s (NPR) host/reporter of the All Things Considered newsmagazine, Michele Norris. Before her current tenure with NPR, Norris was a correspondent for ABC News and has reported for national Media outlets like the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. She has won Multiple-awards in her field. Norris is also the author of the recently published “The Grace of Silence.”

Documentary Film Series

  • Date: Friday, January 21, 2011
  • Time: 12:00 to 2:00 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

Documentary film Dare Not Walk Alone has received national acclaim as “a triumph of courage and empathy” and the “greatest civil rights story never told”.  A powerful capture of turbulent times in American history, this film places the heroic struggle for civil rights in the context of current conditions and future hopes.

In the Mix

  • Date: Friday, January 21, 2011
  • Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
  • Location: Portland State University's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228

 “In the Mix” profiles and showcases the hidden or unknown talents of PSU students in the performing arts.  Social justice messaging will punctuate the array of spoken word deliveries, musical renditions, small street theater dance, and songs from the keys of life.  The campus community is especially urged to come and also share their art in any form.