UC Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr’s Life and Legacy

Over the next two weeks, the Utica College community will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting a variety of events.

This year, Utica College’s celebration will feature events and activities that explore Dr. King's call to recognize our common humanity, acknowledging that, in Dr. King's words, "whatever affects one of us directly affects all indirectly.''

FILM@UC invites the public and the Utica College community to attend a showing of the film “The Best of Enemies” on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in Macfarlane Auditorium, DePerno Hall. This true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader, reminds viewers that making changes can be hard work and requires persistence and the willingness to engage with those you disagree with the most. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, UC invites the public to a panel discussion on “Exploring Current Issues in Immigration.” The panel begins at 4 p.m. in Ellen Knower Clarke Lounge, Strebel Student Center. Panelists will explore the current status and misconceptions of immigration policy and law in the United States, discuss the impact those policies have on those seeking to become the newest members of our communities, and share their own stories and lived experiences as recent immigrants. Panelists include Oneka Roach-Campbell, immigration attorney for Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc., Sherri Cash, associate professor of history at UC, a current UC student, and representatives of the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (recently renamed The Center). 

Finally, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, UC will host the Jackson Lunch Hour Series with spoken word artist, Ed Mabrey. The performance with begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Library Concourse. Mabrey, the first person of color to win the World Poetry Slam title and the founder of Black Pearl Productions LLC, will share his unique blend of passion, grace, creativity and fire to provide an opportunity to reflect on our shared humanity. 

All of the events listed above are free and open to the public. UC will also host a number of other events for Utica College students, faculty, and staff from Jan. 20 to Jan. 30 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s life and legacy.

For more information, visit https://www.utica.edu/diversity/diversity-committee/martin-luther-king-day-events