Another (Celebrate the Dream) Viewpoint

View of Davis Library's grounds around 10 a.m. Friday 1/17/14

We are just finishing out the first week of classes here at the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and it’s already time to take a short break.   

Of course, this is not a random “let’s take the day off” kind of breather, but rather a weekend of celebration, reflection and service in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  It is time to remember Dr. King and dedicate ourselves to reliving his dream! 

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important leader of the modern Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the decades of 1950s and 60s.  He advocated nonviolence to promote change in American society.  His efforts were significant in leading to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination of all kinds—based on race, color, religion or national origin, which helped to transform American society. 

King also sought to remedy the injustices of economic inequality and became a champion of international human rights issues by speaking out openly against the Vietnam War.  Tragically, he was assassinated on 4 April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.  He was there in support of striking African-American sanitation workers, who had staged a walkout in the months earlier due to unequal pay and working conditions.  King was only 39 years old at his time of death. 

King is the first African-American and fourth non-president to be honored with his own memorial in the National Mall located in Washington, D.C.  He is also commemorated and revered as a “modern martyr” at Westminster Abbey in Great Britain for serving as an inspiration for peace and justice throughout the world.  

The Davis Library will be CLOSED this weekend in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  On Monday, January 20^th, all university classes are cancelled and the Davis Library will be CLOSED during daytime hours in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.   However, the library will offer evening hours in the evening from 5-10 p.m.   

On Tuesday, January 21^st a celebration of the life, legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held in the Berry Fine & Performing Arts Center on the Rio Grande Main Campus beginning at 7 p.m. 

If have questions about the Davis Library’s hours or want to find more information on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement, please…  “Ask Us!”