MLK Day to feature Herman Hemingway, Chad Williams

Evening to honor one of America’s most-dedicated advocates for social justice

Photo/Brandeis University archives

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked with students during a 1957 visit to campus.

Brandeis University’s 8th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial “The Duty of A Dream!” will take place on Monday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Theater.

This evening of performance, oratory and testimony is intended to evoke the prophecy, the mission and the commitment of one of America’s most-dedicated advocates for social justice.

The keynote speaker, Herman Hemingway ‘53, is the first black man to graduate from Brandeis. A fraternity brother and mentee of Dr. King’s, Professor Hemingway has maintained King’s spirit and values in his personal and professional life.

Eliana Light '13 will tell of Dr. King’s work with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel; Amanda Dryer ’13 will read an original poem. The Brandeis hip-hop group Kaos Kids will join forces with the So Unique Step Team, and jazz impresario Louise Grasmere will sing.

Dr. King’s presence will be resurrected further through the delivery of one of his great speeches by MLK Scholar Amanda Pereira ’15, and the Boston Tap Company will return to campus with a performance specially created for this occasion.  

The evening will be hosted by Associate Professor Chad Williams, chair of the Department of African and Afro-American Studies.

The event is free and open to the public; seating will be available at 6 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to arrive early.

The annual King Day observance is sponsored by MLK Scholars and Friends, the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Communications.

Categories: General, Humanities and Social Sciences, Student Life

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