Concert and inauguration events wrap up MLK observance January 19 & 20

• Francois Clemmons talked Jan. 19 with Vermont Public Radio about his life, King’s legacy and Obama’s inauguration

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - Middlebury College will host its 11th annual celebration concert honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. titled “Let Freedom Ring!” on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in Mead Chapel, located on Hepburn Road off College Street (Route 125). The evening will include musical performances by Alexander Twilight Artist-in-Residence François Clemmons and the Middlebury College Spiritual Choir, dance performances choreographed by Visiting Lecturer in Dance Christal Brown, and theatrical interpretations of notable speeches, directed and performed by Middlebury College students. Director of Jazz Activities Dick Forman will accompany on piano. The event is free and open to the public.

The concert is the culminating event in a week of activities honoring the civil rights leader. Other events include an exhibition of student and alumni artwork inspired by King’s “I Have a Dream” speech; a keynote address by noted activist Sonia Sanchez; an “open mic” session for poets and others; a day of community service; and a multi-faith service.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, renowned writer, poet, playwright and activist Sonia Sanchez will give the keynote address at 4:30 p.m. in Mead Chapel. Sanchez has been an influential force in African American literary and political culture for over three decades. She was also in the forefront of the black studies movement and taught the first course in the country on black women. Sanchez addresses issues related to the African American experience, women, literature and culture. She is a 2001 recipient of the Robert Frost medal in poetry, one of the highest honors awarded to a nationally recognized poet. She is the author of 16 books and has lectured at more than 500 universities and colleges throughout the United States. She has traveled extensively, reading her poetry in Africa, Nicaragua, Cuba and the Caribbean, Europe, China, Australia and Canada. She was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University where she began teaching in 1977 and held the Laura Carnell Chair in English there until her retirement in 1999.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, Middlebury College faculty, staff, students and other community members are invited to participate in local service projects to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation to various project sites will be provided to anyone who needs it. For more information or to volunteer, email Ashley Calkins of the Middlebury College Alliance for Civic Engagement (ACE) or call 802-443-3099, or visit the event web site. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at Carr Hall, located on College Street (Route 125).

That evening, at 8 p.m. in the Juice Bar of the McCullough Student Center, located on Old Chapel Road off College Street (Route 125), a special Step Show will take place. Stepping has been an African American tradition since the 1900s. It is a form of percussive dance in which the body is used as an instrument to produce rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word and hand claps. The show will feature Middlebury College steppers plus special guest performers from the University of Vermont and Williams College.

On Sunday, Jan. 18, all are welcome to gather in Mead Chapel at 4 p.m. for a multi-faith service of prayer, readings and song honoring the vision and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. 

Wrapping up the weeklong celebration, a gathering will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. in the Juice Bar to watch the televised inauguration of the 44th United States President Barack Obama. The inauguration will also be shown in Dana Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Axinn 232 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., Middlebury College Associate Professor of History Bill Hart, Professor of American History and Culture Jim Ralph, College Communications Writer Maria Stadtmueller, and first year student Mugo Kennedy will lead a discussion on the 2008 Presidential campaign and the inauguration titled “The Meaning of Barack Obama’s Election and Inauguration.”

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, email Jennifer Herrera in the Middlebury College Office for Institutional Planning and Diversity or call 802-443-5743. For complete details and exhibition schedule, visit the event web site.

To follow is a schedule of events:

 
Associate Professor of History Bill Hart, Professor of American History and Culture Jim Ralph, College Communications Writer Maria Stadtmueller, and first year student Mugo Kennedy will lead a discussion on the 2008 Presidential Campaign and Inauguration.
Juice Bar, McCullough Student Center, located on Old Chapel Road off College Street (Route 125)