For the second year, Mars Hill University will cancel classes on Monday, January 18 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement.
Led by the MHU Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, the university has developed a day-long series of programs and activities exploring various issues and ideas related to the struggle for civil rights. Subjects to be explored include the music of the civil rights movement, the idea of the “beloved community,” and inclusive communication. Also part of the celebration will be a showing and discussion of the movie Selma.
Full schedule of events:
8:30AM-12:30PM Children’s Educational Area
Nash Hall 2nd Fl.
9-10AM Opening Plenary Session
– Guest speaker: Mr. Rodney Johnson, Moore Auditorium
Rodney Johnson is a MHU alum, one of MHU’s alumni of the year 2013, former Executive Director of the Office of Parent Services at George Washington University, and creator of the Office of Minority Affairs at UNC-Asheville.
10:30AM-12:30PM screening of the movie Selma
Moore Auditorium
12:45PM-1:30PM Faculty/Staff Luncheon – Guest: Mr. James Shields
“Creating the Beloved Community at MHU”
Redway Conference Rm.
James Shields is the Director of the Bonner Center for Community Service and Learning at Guilford College. He’s also an actor and an expert on the history of the Underground Railroad in Greensboro.*
1:45PM-3PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1
“The Songs of the Freedom Struggle: From Rock to Rap: – Dr. David Gilbert
Belk Auditorium
“At The River I Stand: King’s Final Days” – Dr. Brett Johnson
Peterson Conf. Rm.
“MLK & Civil Rights” – Mr. James Shields
Broyhill Chapel
“Working Toward the Beloved Community: An Interfaith Movement”
– Rev. Stephanie McLeskey, Broyhill Fellowship Hall
3:15PM-4:30PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS II
“Free Your Mind: Addressing Communication to Create an Inclusive Campus Community”
– Social Work Department, Broyhill Fellowship Hall
“Making King’s Dream Come True” – Mr. James Shields
Broyhill Chapel
“The Butterfly & the Beloved: How to be inspired by yesterday’s message”
– Ms. Caroline Twiggs, Location TBA
“Reflections and discussion on the movie Selma”
– Ms. Laurie Pedersen, Location TBA
4:45PM Silent Candle Light Vigil for Peace – Fountain
Additional activities:
Bailey Mountain Hike with Professor Ryan Bell.
Participants will recite MLK’s “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech – 1-5PM
Participation in City of Asheville’s MLK March – 10:30AM-2:30PM
Community Service Project with Mars Hill Baptist Church
Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree in elementary education. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina. www.mhu.edu
