Actor Danny Glover program among UF events to mark MLK's legacy

January 9, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Actor and activist Danny Glover will be the keynote speaker on Jan. 25 as part of the UF MLK Celebration 2012 at the University of Florida.

“A Night with Danny Glover” will take place at 7 p.m. in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Through an informal conversation, Glover will share his experiences that embody the ideals of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers from the audience.

“We are extremely excited to expand this year’s celebration from a week of events to a month-long celebration,” said Jarrod Cruz, chair of UF MLK Celebration Steering Committee and director of multicultural and diversity affairs. “Mr. Glover is an excellent speaker for our celebration because of his passion and determination to make positive change through his activism, and we look forward to welcoming him to Gainesville.”

The UF celebration starts Jan. 16 with people volunteering to do service in the community. Following the community service, the volunteers will gather to reflect on the work and how it relates to King’s values. Dave Kratzer, interim vice president for student affairs, will speak. At noon, a march starts at Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville and continues to the MLK Multipurpose Center near Waldo Road.

A panel conversation at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 17 will provide students with information on how they can leave a legacy through student involvement on campus. It will be held in the Reitz Student Union, Room 284.

At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, a workshop will be offered to address the real meaning of excellence behind communication, leadership and self-esteem. “D.I.V.E.R.S.I.T.Y.: How to Survive Change, Create Culture & Unite the Divide” will be held in in the Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 18 on the Reitz Student Union Colonnade, the Campus Ministry Cooperative through the Division of Student Affairs will host a “Religious Involvement Opportunities Fair” where students can learn and engage with area faith leaders about getting involved in the various congregations, events and opportunities.

At 7 p.m. Jan. 19, Margaret Block, a revered civil rights activist in the Mississippi Delta, will be speaking about her role in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and in the civil rights movement in “Inside the Activists Studio: A Sit In with Margaret Block.” This event will take place in Ustler Hall on the UF campus.

At 6 p.m. Jan. 20, UF will hold its annual candlelight vigil on the Reitz Student Union Amphitheatre in partnership with GatorNights. Performances, reflections, tributes and a pledge will be highlights of the evening.

At 6 p.m. Jan. 24, an Immigration Policy Forum will be held in the Reitz Student Union Matthews Suite. Following the forum at 8 p.m. in the Reitz Student Union Auditorium, a screening of “Gender Role In Society” will explore the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. This screening will be Florida’s only screening of this film featured by Oprah Winfrey and acclaimed by critics.

Many more events are planned and will occur that celebrate and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. All events are free and open to the public. More information about all of the events can be found online through the UF MLK Celebration website at www.UFMLK.org.