Presentations and guest speakers will explore the power of song, music, theater, and art that supported and echoed the African American fight for freedom during “Freedom Rings,” a two-week series of events coordinated by Niagara University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of the federal holiday that marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Highlights of the celebration include “Your Brain Is Good at Inclusion Except When It’s Not,” a public, keynote presentation by Dr. Steve L. Robbins on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m. at the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons on the Niagara University campus. Dr. Robbins, founder and owner of S.L. Robbins and Associates and author of “What If? Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue,” has assisted major corporations and clients throughout the world, including Disney, Walmart, NASA, and Microsoft, to create new solutions and conversations centered on an inclusive workplace. This presentation will provide an innovative, science-based look at the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Puerto Rican poet, storyteller, and author Willie Perdomo will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence on the arts and examine moments where poetry echoed the marches in our struggle for freedom. Perdomo is the author of “The Essential Hits of Shorty Bon Bon” (a 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award finalist), “Smoking Lovely” (winner of the 2004 PEN Open Book Award), and “Where a Nickel Costs a Dime” (a Poetry Society of America Norma Farber First Book Award Finalist). The presentation, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 5 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Hall, Room 405/406.
Wrapping up the celebration is “A Night of Motown,” featuring music from Motown Records icons including The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5. Traditional African American cuisine will also be available. The event takes place Friday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons and is open to the public.
Below is the full schedule of activities:
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Noon—Reflection of Dr. MLK Jr.
Gallagher Center Lounge and Multipurpose Room
Students will explore teachings and philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
4:30 p.m.—Prayer Service & Reflection
Alumni Chapel
The campus community will come together for a time of interdenominational prayer, song, and reflection, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Noon—Freedom Crossing
Gallagher Center Multipurpose Room
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will introduce attendees to the Niagara Movement and the Underground Railroad to explore Niagara Falls’ involvement with the African American fight for freedom.
Friday, Jan. 24
5 p.m.—Screening and discussion of “Harriet”
Dunleavy Hall, Room 127
Attendees will view the film “Harriet,” which tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes.
(All films/videos are intended for the educational instruction of Niagara University students)
Monday, Jan. 27
11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Black Inventions Traveling Museum
Gallagher Center Multipurpose Room
The campus community will have the opportunity to experience the incredible contributions of African American inventors, which enhanced the lives of many during their generation and continues to this day.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
5 p.m.—Willie Perdomo
St. Vincent’s Hall, Room 405/406
Willie Perdomo is a Puerto Rican poet, storyteller, and author of “The Essential Hits of Shorty Bon Bon” (a 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award finalist), “Smoking Lovely” (winner of the 2004 PEN Open Book Award), and “Where a Nickel Costs a Dime” (a Poetry Society of America Norma Farber First Book Award Finalist). Perdomo will celebrate MLK’s influence on the arts and examine moments where poetry echoed the marches in our struggle for freedom.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
5 p.m.— Keynote Speaker: Steve Robbins
“Your Brain Is Good at Inclusion Except When It’s Not”
Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons
Dr. Steve L. Robbins, founder and owner of S.L. Robbins and Associates, works with organizations to guide them in creating new solutions and conversations centered on an inclusive workplace. To accompany his ideology, Dr. Robbins wrote his first book, “What If? Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue,” which is now used by numerous organizations and schools to invite people into deeper conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the power of caring.
Thursday, Jan. 30
12:15 p.m.—Did You Know?
Gallagher Center Multipurpose Room
Attendees will explore historical truths of influential African American Civil Rights leaders.
Friday, Jan. 31
6 p.m.—A Night of Motown (Dine with OMA) Featuring The Next Level Band
Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons
Join Niagara University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs for a night of music and traditional African American cuisine. Attendees will dance to musical selections honoring iconic Motown Records and highlighting musical legends like The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, and many more. NU students are free with NU ID, all others pay $5 at the door to help support diversity and inclusion programs at NU and the surrounding community.
For more information on these events, contact NU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs at 286-8510.
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