Jan. 22, 2008

Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356
University Relations

Georgia State celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

ATLANTA – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of peace, justice and racial equality. This week, for the anniversary of his birth, Georgia State University is hosting several events aimed at, “Celebrating His Dream ... Continuing His Legacy.”

Just as King urged Americans to fight against poverty, Georgia State and the Atlanta Community Food Bank are attempting to bring awareness to hunger and homelessness at the local, state and national level with the program, “Project Empty Bowls.” Get a first-hand look at the challenges facing low-income Americans in the interactive program held at 5:30 p.m. today (Jan. 22) in Veterans Memorial Hall, 30 Courtland St.

For further inspiration, relive King’s infamous, “I Have a Dream,”  speech as Georgia State students re-enact the address and reflect on its meaning from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 23) in the Student Center Speaker’s Auditorium, 44 Courtland St.

Also, check out Spike Lee’s movie, “4 Little Girls,” about the bombing of an African-American church in 1963 in Birmingham, Ala. The movie will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 24) in Cinefest, the student-run movie theater on the second floor of the University Center.

End the week with a visit to King’s childhood home and burial site, enhanced by a Georgia State tour guide. Tours to the King Center will be offered at noon, 1p.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 24) and Friday (Jan. 25). Buses will leave from the Georgia State Welcome Center, 30 Courtland St.  Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. The two-hour tours will include four stops within the historic Auburn district.