SUNY Potsdam Marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day with 'Marade' and Day of Reflection

POTSDAM, NY (01/13/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special commemorative events for campus and community on Monday, Jan. 19.

Student 'Day of Reflection'

The commemoration will begin with the second annual "Day of Remembrance" event, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Crane School of Music. This session will feature video clips of King's most well known speeches (including "I Have a Dream" and "I Have Been to the Mountaintop"), as well as extended interviews and a clip of his debate with Malcolm X.

Following these video excerpts, students will be encouraged to reflect on race in the 21st century. Professor of Music Dr. David Heinick and Assistant Professor of Voice Dr. Lonel Woods will lead the discussions. Due to limited space, this event is only open to students.

"Last year, the Day of Reflection was powerful, enlightening and filled with truth, honesty, passion and concern," Woods said. "I truly believe it had a profound effect on all who participated."

MLK Day 'Marade'

Members of the campus community will take to the streets for the College's first-ever MLK Day "Marade" at 2:30 p.m.

Combining a march and a parade, this event is designed to be both a demonstration and a celebration, according to organizer Jodi L. Schneiderman, who was inspired by a marade she took part in in Colorado.

All are welcome to bundle up and join in this celebration. The marade route will take participants on a walk that is slightly less than two miles, going downtown on sidewalks in the Village of Potsdam and through the streets of the SUNY Potsdam campus.

Banners will be available for participants to sign in the Barrington Student Union Lobby before they depart. Free parking is available in Lots 1 and 2.

"For me, this event is about taking the time to collectively reflect on the legacy of this American civil rights hero, Dr. Martin Luther King," said Schneiderman, who is the coordinator of career and leadership programs for the College's Education Opportunity Program.

EOP counselor Latesha Fussell '12 will offer words of welcome for the marade participants, and Woods will lead songs as the marade departs.

Reception

Following the marade, all participants are welcome to attend a free reception in the Knowles Conference Center Lobby, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. There will be hot chocolate and cookies. Associate Professor of English and Communication Dr. John Youngblood will offer a keynote address.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day events at SUNY Potsdam are sponsored by the Center for Diversity and the Educational Opportunity Program.

For more information about diversity at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/diversity.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community recently launched Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which aims to raise $27 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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