Rice University invites the community to join in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day during two events honoring his life and legacy.
The Rice Black Men’s Association, Office of Access and Institutional Excellence and multicultural community relations in the Office of Public Affairs have organized the annual MLK Program and Vigil Jan. 18. This year’s guest speakers include Roland B. Smith Jr., former associate provost and professor of education and sociology; Daijah Wilson, Rice student poet; and Elizaeth Hordge-Freeman, associate professor of sociology.
The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program at 6 p.m. in Room 130, Kraft Hall. Paid parking is available in the Central Campus Garage.
MLK Unity Parade participation
In the late 1970s, years before King’s birthday was declared a federal holiday, Houston’s Black Heritage Society organized the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade held in the state of Texas. To celebrate the life and legacy of King, Rice will again participate in this historic annual event by hosting a walking group at the newly retitled MLK Unity Parade.
Rice students, alumni, employees, family and friends are invited to join in the parade Jan. 19. Rice will offer transportation between the campus and the downtown parade as well as free commemorative T-shirts for registered participants.
The deadline to sign up is Jan. 14, and space and supplies are limited. To register for the parade and receive information about timing and the meeting location, visit publicaffairs.rice.edu/mlk.