Posted: Tuesday, January 10, 2017

University of Evansville has planned several events in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The theme this year’s event is “Championing Peace and Justice.” Several activities are scheduled, including a re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, DC, a rally, a panel discussion, and the William G. and the Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship.

The schedule of events is as follows. All events are free and open to the public.

Monday, January 16

11:30 a.m.: UE’s reenactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, leaves from the Meeks Large Gym in Carson Center on the University’s campus.

12:30-2:00 p.m.: The march returns to campus for the No Hate in Our State Rally. Those attending can sign a banner and letters.

7:00 p.m.: William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship, Eykamp Hall, Room 251, Ridgway University Center. The keynote speaker will be Dorothy Simpson-Taylor. Her topic will be “The Epitome of Sacred and Secular Servant Leadership: Dr. Martin Luther King’s advocacy and activism.”

Simpson-Taylor earned her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Denver. Her career path has included high school counselor, faculty and administrator in higher education, mental health counselor and psychotherapist, community organizer, and capacity building consultant. Specializing in special populations, she has been an advocate, coach, and facilitator for individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and systems seeking to enhance equity and inclusion practices. A Vietnam era Air Force veteran with a history of service to support military women and men, her faith experiences and commitment to veterans has encouraged a focus on collaborating with governmental, community, and faith-based institutions to provide more support for military members and families.

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

8:00 p.m.: The lecture will be followed by a reception in Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center.

Friday, January 20

Noon-1:00 p.m.: No Hate in Our State panel discussion featuring Senator Greg Taylor in Vectren Lecture Hall (Room 100), Koch Center for Engineering and Science. A panel moderated by Diane Clements-Boyd, executive director of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission, will discuss the bias motivated hate crime bill written by Senator Taylor.

For more information on these events, please call 812-488-2413.

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