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Presentation by 'Selma' co-author, service projects, trip to Washington highlight NU's MLK celebration

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Wed, Dec 16th 2015 05:30 pm

A presentation by Sheyann Webb, co-author of the memoir-turned-Disney movie "Selma, Lord, Selma," underscores a week's worth of activities coordinated by Niagara University's Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of the federal holiday that marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Webb's public, keynote address will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Castellani Art Museum. "Selma, Lord, Selma" depicts Webb's experiences as a young activities leader interacting with the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the late Jonathan Daniels and other leaders during the Civil Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama, in the 1960s.

In addition to the events and initiatives listed below, Niagara faculty, staff and students will participate in community service projects throughout the week that include a collection of school supplies for the local Boys and Girls Club, as well as a multimedia competition and a bus trip to view the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"A unified, informed, diverse campus enriches the community," said Averl Harbin, Niagara's director of multicultural affairs. "In accordance with the university's mission, we intend to create a dialogue and encourage our students and faculty to find their voices during times of social injustice."

All Week

•Community Service Project

Students are invited to donate school supplies to the local Boys and Girls Club. Collections will be received in the office of multicultural affairs on the lower level of the Gallagher Center. Contributors to the community service project will be entered to win a grand prize that will be announced at halftime of a Niagara University basketball game.

Monday, Jan. 18

•7 p.m. - Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony

Niagara University is giving students an opportunity to creatively highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of MLK. Students may utilize dance, poetry/spoken word, music and much more. Entries considered for this award must demonstrate both an intellectual and emotional element that directly connects to the mission of Niagara University. Co-sponsored by NU's diversity committee, three prizes of $350 apiece will be awarded. (Gallagher Center)

Tuesday, Jan. 19

•4:30 p.m. - Prayer and Reflection

The campus community will come together for a time of interdenominational prayer and reflection honoring MLK's legacy. (Alumni Chapel)

•7 p.m. - Screening of 'Fruitvale Station'

Attendees will watch the drama that's centered on the tragic shooting of 22-year-old Oscar Grant by a subway officer in San Francisco on New Year's Day in 2009. Grant's fellow passengers captured the shooting on camera. (Gallagher Center multipurpose room)

Wednesday, Jan. 20

•6 p.m. - Speaker Series: 'Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter'

The event features remarks from Dr. Paul C. Taylor, associate professor of philosophy and African-American studies at Pennsylvania State University. Taylor has written three books, including "Black is Beautiful: A Philosophy of Black Aesthetics" and "On Obama," and has provided commentary on race and politics for newspapers and radio shows on four continents. (Gallagher Center multipurpose room)

•9 p.m. - Screening of 'Selma'

Students are invited to view this historical drama, which is set at the height of the American Civil Rights Movement. It portrays the marches from Selma to the state capital with the goal of securing voting rights for black people. (Gallagher Center multipurpose room)

Thursday, Jan. 21

•5 p.m. - Speaker Series: Sheyann Webb

This a free, public presentation featuring the nationally known author of "Selma, Lord, Selma." (Castellani Art Museum)

Saturday, Jan. 23

•Trip to Washington, D.C.

Niagara University students will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, among other sites. The experience is co-sponsored by NU's campus programming board.

For more information, contact Niagara University's Office of Multicultural Affairs at 716-286-8510 or [email protected].

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