Posted: Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The University of Evansville has planned several events in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018. This year’s theme - “Respect and Compassion for All” – is based on this quote from King: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

Activities include UE’s annual re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, DC, a pre-march rally, and the William G. and the Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship. The schedule of events follows. All are free and open to the public.

Monday, January 15

11:45 a.m.: Pre-march rally on the steps of Neu Chapel on UE’s campus.

Noon: UE’s symbolic reenactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington will leave campus from the Neu Chapel steps and then return to the chapel.

5:00 p.m.: Women of UE’s Black Student Union will host the Women of the Civil Rights Movement LIVE experience in Eykamp Hall Room 252 in Ridgway University Center. Walk through the experience and learn about the women involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

6:00 p.m.: William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship, Eykamp Hall, Room 251, Ridgway University Center. A reception will follow in Eykamp Hall, Room 252, in Ridgway University Center.

The keynote speaker will be Robert Jackson, author of The No More Excuses Curriculum, featuring the books, Black Men Stand Up!, The Workbook: A Boys Guide to Manhood, The Workbook: A Girls Guide to Womanhood, Solutions to Educating Black and Latino Males and Put a Stop to Bullying. He is a nationally renowned speaker, educator, consultant, and owner of Lavelle Publishing and Robert Jackson Consulting.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Western Kentucky University where he lettered four years in football and track. After being cut from the NFL Minnesota Vikings, Jackson began teaching. Wanting to make a bigger impact on education, he began conducting professional development workshops and keynotes nationally for educators, parents and students. He remains committed to serve his community as mentor and leader, especially on issues facing African American and Latino students.

Jackson is an active Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men and Bachelor Benedict Club and a member of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Bridge Building Award from Collaborate to Save our Sons for his leadership and mentorship toward youth and adults nationally, The Do Something Positive, Be Something Positive Award for his leadership in the community, Civil Rights Justice by Action Youth Award from National Organization of Black Law Enforcement for his tireless work with students nationally.

The generosity of William G. and Rose M. Mays funds the keynote speaker during UE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. 

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