In elementary, middle and high school, it seemed like a Monday or Friday was cancelled every other week for President’s Day, Columbus Day or “teacher work days.” The University of Oregon deems few holidays important enough to cancel school, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of those days. While the three-day weekend might pull many of us on vacation or just back to bed, this year consider paying tribute to the holiday by attending one of Eugene’s many awesome events.
Tuesday, Jan. 21:
Keynote Speech: Saul Williams, poet, musician and actor, is giving a keynote address on Dr. King, put on by the Office of the Dean of Students. Williams was also the lead in the independent film “Slam,” about an aspiring rapper held back by his socioeconomic status. The speech is free, unticketed and held in the EMU Ballroom from 5:30-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 22:
Book Reading: Aaron Dixon, the co-founder of Seattle’s chapter of the radical Black Panther Party, is speaking about his recently-released book “My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain.” Dixon was 19 when he started the chapter in 1968, the same year Dr. King was shot. Catch this powerful story at the Many Nations Longhouse from 4:30-5:45 p.m. (1630 Columbia St., on UO’s campus), hosted by the department of ethnic studies. There will also be a book signing and time for a Q&A session.
Candlelit Vigil: For a reverent ceremony and a good mid-week reminder of a quickly-passed holiday, join the Black Student Union and Black Women of Achievement group for a candlelit vigil commemorating Dr. King. It will be held in the EMU Amphitheater at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23:
Community Conversation: For a more participatory approach to celebrating, which Dr. King would most definitely approve of, join the Mills International Center for a community conversation on civil rights and sexuality at 3 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24:
Art Exhibit: Join the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art for the opening reception of “Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power,” a gallery featuring provocative prints, sculptures, paintings and a video. Walker is a contemporary African American artist whose work explores slavery and its effects on American society. The reception is from 6-8 p.m. and is free of charge.
Dance Africa: Catch this UO Dance Department show featuring drummers, dancers and singers, both students and from the community in this lively performance. The show is in Gerlinger Annex in the Dougherty Dance Theater (1484 University St.). It’s $5 for students, $10 general admission and goes from 8-10 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 26:
Kwanzaa Event: Join the Black Student Union to celebrate and learn about Kwanzaa’s seven traditions with free food, dancing, music and poetry. The event was originally scheduled for December but cancelled due to the snow. Now, it’s also a celebration of MLK . The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the EMU and is free of charge.