News and Events

"Traveling the Road to Unity" is the theme that will bind together the Baldwin-Wallace College and Berea communities during a weeklong, shared tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. beginning Sunday, January 15, 2012. This will mark the 22nd year for the joint observance, which features a host of hands-on events and programs to bring awareness to the goals, ideals and dreams of the late civil rights leader.

A candlelight march, prayer breakfast, student essay contest, gospel songfest and interactive "Your Feet: My Shoes" exhibit are among the activities. B-W students and employees, local churches, schools and civic groups all come together to produce and participate in the award-winning commemoration. 

Renowned Theologian to Delivers MLK Week Talk

Dr. James H. Cone will deliver the week's keynote speech on Wednesday, January 18, 8 p.m.  A prominent theologian, tenacious voice for the oppressed and author of eleven books, Cone is best known for his groundbreaking works, Black Theology & Black Power and A Black Theology of Liberation. Those titles, along with the highly acclaimed God of the Oppressed and Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare?, have been translated into nine languages.

Cone's theology is rooted in the context of the African-American experience. He says, "Being black in America has little to do with your skin color. Being black in America means that your heart, your soul, your mind, and your body are where the dispossessed are." An ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Cone has lectured at more than 1,000 universities and community organizations throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Cone's presentation is part of Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series. His talk will take place in the Kulas Musical Arts Building, Gamble Auditorium located at 96 Front St., Berea.

The complete schedule of the week's events is as follows

(events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted):

Sunday, January 15, 4 p.m. - Songfest 2012
United Methodist Church
170 Seminary St., Berea
A gospel music celebration featuring church, school and college/university choirs, plus performance artists. 

Monday, January 16, 9 a.m. - Annual Prayer Breakfast
First Baptist Church of Berea
572 Pearl St., Berea
A reflective celebration featuring music, readings, an inspirational speaker: State Senator Nina Turner, and a delicious breakfast.

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30 p.m. - Candlelight March - "Expressions of Hope"
Starts at B-W's Lou Higgins Center,136 E. Bagley Road.
All are invited to march in the strong, steady light of Dr. Martin Luther King's accomplishments and the spirit of hope he inspired. March starts at B-W's Lou Higgins Center and will be followed by a reflection period and reception in the Calderwood Lobby of the Boesel Musical Arts Center, 49 Seminary Street.

Wednesday, January 18, 8 p.m. - Keynote Speaker: Rev. James Cone
Kulas Musical Arts Building-Gamble Auditorium
96 Front St., Berea
Part of Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series. Kulas Musical Arts Building is handicap accessible. Follow this link for directions and parking information for the Kulas Musical Arts Building.

Thursday, January 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - MLK Day of Learning
Strosacker Hall-College Union, Sandstone I, II, and III and Student Activities Center
120 E. Grand St. Berea
B-W students, faculty, and staff host educational and interactive activities based on King's legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Visiting 4th grade classes gain an understanding of his vision. Not open to the public.

Thursday, January 19, 12:15 p.m. - Chapel Worship Service
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel
56 Seminary St., Berea
A service to honor the memory of Dr. King, led by Dr. John Gordon, Baldwin-Wallace College Chaplain. 

Thursday, January 19, 7 p.m. - Art and Essay Contest/Reception
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Berea Branch
7 Berea Commons, Berea
An event recognizing student essays and artwork about Dr. King. Winners and participants from the Berea City Schools will be guests at a special reception and the winning entries will be on display.

 Friday, January 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - "Your Feet: My Shoes"
Strosacker Hall- College Union, Sandstone III
120 E. Grand St., Berea
An interactive maze displaying common issues and "isms" we face in today's society. This exhibit will stimulate understanding, awareness, and appreciation for the topics.

For more information about any of these ML King Week activities or events, call 440-826-2325. For general directions Baldwin-Wallace College, visit http://www.bw.edu/quickfacts/directions/. 

Posted 12/11