North Carolina Central University (NCCU) kicked off its public celebration of the life and vision of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, with the Rock the Lyceum lecture series featuring keynote speaker Roland Martin, senior analyst for the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” and host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show focused on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports, and culture from an African- American perspective.
Referencing Dr. King's efforts to ensuring equality for all, Martin encouraged NCCU and Durham communities to empower each other on the continuous road to freedom.
"If we're going to get on this road to freedom, it begins internally," he said. "We need to see each other as partners in this battle."
He concluded his speech by challenging the audience to think about how their decisions affect the next generation.
"What you do today will affect future generations. Are you satisfied? Are you ready to be a 21st-century revolutionary?"
During his nearly 30-year journalism career, Martin authored three books: “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith”; “Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America”; and “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.”
Martin also has been named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the “150 Most Influential African-Americans in the United States.”
NCCU will continue its celebration of Dr. King at the university's Office of Community Engagement and Service's annual MLK Jr. Day of Service event on Monday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Sports Complex on campus.
With 500 or more NCCU students and Durham residents estimated to participate, the Day of Service honors King’s memory by marshaling a volunteer workforce to provide assistance throughout the community. Activities will include creating literacy tools for tutoring and mentoring programs; producing no-sew blankets for veterans and military families; developing diaper kits and sleeping mats to support children in daycare; and creating sleeping pads for adults. Community volunteers may sign up on the AllForGood.org community service platform. This activity is also eligible for student service hours.
Additional events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January include:
- Performances by the NCCU Vocal Jazz Ensemble will take place at DreamFest Cary 2019 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, N.C.; and the Only Light Only Love – Winter 2019 concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20, at First Presbyterian Church, 305 East Main St., in Durham.
- MLK Eagle Pride Blood Drive, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Baynes Residence Hall on the campus of NCCU, 116 Eagle Campus Drive.
