The Central Florida community is invited to join Rollins in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a series of educational events.
“Rollins’ commitment to social responsibility in an inclusive environment parallels Dr. King’s philosophy,” said Rollins President Lewis Duncan. “Dr. King told us, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.’ Let us honor his memory and vision by summoning Rollins’ own motto: Fiat Lux. ‘Let there be light.’”
Highlights of Rollins’ annual celebration are Step Afrika!, which is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping and the memorial candlelight vigil, which beginning on Monday, January 17 at 6:01 p.m. in remembrance of the time that Dr. King lost his life. The keynote speaker for this year’s vigil will be Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida serving as the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) residents.
“We will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his life in pursuit of justice, equality and harmony. This year we are calling our community to find purpose and “calling” in order to bring positive changes in our own corners,” said Director of Multicultural Affairs Mahjabeen Rafiuddin.
During this five day celebration, we ask the community to put Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy into action by considering a monetary gift or donation of gently worn sneakers to help support the Tars Crossover project, a program developed by a Rollins alumna that benefits the youth in Cameroon. This initiative is an example of how one can bring about positive change in a unique way. Donations will be accepted throughout the celebration.
PUBLIC EVENTS CALENDAR
What: Step Afrika! (Preshow Step Performances by local youth and Upward Bound)
*Raffle tickets will be sold to benefit the Tars Crossover project.
When: Thursday, Jan. 13 (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Alfond Sports Center
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Visitor parking is available in the SunTrust Plaza Parking Garage.
*Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Background: Step Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company is a model for the use of stepping in educational settings, espousing themes such as teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The tradition grew out of the song and dance rituals practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.
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What: Maya Angelou Resource Library Reception and Showing of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” With Dialogue
*Bake sale to benefit the Tars Crossover project.
When: Friday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m.
Where: Olin Library
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Visitor parking is available in the SunTrust Plaza Parking Garage.
*Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Background: In honor of Maya Angelou, Rollins College hosts a collection of books and films dedicated to promotion of equality and multiculturalism in and outside the classroom. Please join us for a special screening of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” a true story based on Maya Angelou’s childhood. Dialogue will follow.
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What: Spoken Word – Open Mic
When: Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Cornell Campus Center – Dave’s DownUnder
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Visitor parking is available in the SunTrust Plaza Parking Garage.
*Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Background: Listen to a Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired Spoken Word Poetry reading by local spoken word artists. Community members welcome to present.
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What: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Vigil
*Gently used sneaker collection to benefit the Tars Crossover project.
When: Monday, Jan. 17 at 6:01 p.m.
Where: Knowles Memorial Chapel
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Visitor parking is available in the SunTrust Plaza Parking Garage.
*Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Background: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how his life’s messages relate to the local, global and personal issues of today through the arts of speech, song, music and dance. The keynote speaker for this year’s vigil will be Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. Guests are encouraged to bring a pair of gently worn sneakers to donate to the Tars Crossover project.
