DURHAM, N.H. - The events for the 20th anniversary of the University of New Hampshire's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration center on the artistic expressions that activists use to bring light to social ills. This year's celebration entitled, Art as Struggle and Exultation, examines the use of art as a tool for understanding cultural struggles and as an element of self transformation.  
 
Four major events will take place from Jan. 28 - Feb. 4.
 
In this 20th year of commemorating the work of Dr. King as a civil rights leader and intellectual, the university focuses its attention on the ability of his poetic speeches to highlight the struggle for human rights and on his ability to move a nation to action by appealing to our noblest sentiments. In the keynote address A Sweet Inspiration: King, Poetry, and Movement, poet and educator Nikki Giovanni will explore the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.  This is especially critical as world nations ignore their differences and come together to help the Haitian people cope with the recent devastating effects of the earthquakes in the island nation. Giovanni's presentation will intertwine her reflections on the current culture wars and the larger political and social issues with readings from her works.  

The university's Office of Diversity Initiatives, in partnership with campus and community, challenges the community to become more active in order to effect positive change.

This year's celebration offers our community the following:
 

• Art Exhibit: Thursday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m., MUB Strafford Room
• Spiritual Celebration: Sunday, Jan. 31, 4 p.m., St. George's Episcopal Church, Park Court, Durham
• Conversation with Nikki Giovanni, hosted by UNH's David Rivard: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m., MUB Strafford Room
• Commemorative Address: Thursday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.; UNH Johnson Theatre at the Paul Creative Arts Center

Please know that your involvement is important to our campus community in the promotion of Dr. King's striving for a world in which people live together harmoniously, embrace their cultures and respect the rights of all human beings.  

Learn more about the Jan. 28 - Feb. 4 commemorative events at http://www.unh.edu/diversity/mlk/ or contact JerriAnne Boggis at (603) 862-0693.

Come be inspired to take action.