Civil Rights Activist, Students Will Share Messages of Hope for the Future

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Two events that pay tribute to the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at University Crossing this week.

01/30/2018

Contact: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Media Advisory

What: Individuals inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. – including a civil rights activist who worked in Mississippi in the 1960s; UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff; Lowell schoolchildren; and community leaders – will come together for events this week that will celebrate and advance the themes of his work. 

Organized by the UMass Lowell Office of Multicultural Affairs, the events include: 

  • The MLK Celebration Dinner – Members of the public and university community who exemplify King’s commitment to social justice will be honored with Distinguished Service Awards at this annual event, held each year at the start of the spring semester. Artwork and essays by Lowell public schoolchildren that illustrate King’s beliefs in personal dignity and the pursuit of excellence will also be honored. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m., University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell.
  • “Freedom Summer” Roundtable Discussion – In 1964, Polly Allen was one of thousands of civil rights activists, student leaders and other volunteers who participated in “Freedom Summer,” a nonviolent movement to integrate Mississippi’s political system. Allen and other activists will share their memories of that turbulent time and talk about the state of the civil rights movement today at this free presentation for the campus and community. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 4 to 6 p.m., University Crossing, Room 255, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell.

Contact UMass Lowell media relations for directions and parking information.