Wednesday, Jan. 23 and Thursday, Jan. 24

1-2 p.m. on both days; you may choose the day you prefer. More readers are needed on Wednesday.

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College education department and Center for Service-Learning sponsor an annual  Martin Luther King Day Read-In at Martel School. Student, staff and faculty volunteers  are encouraged to participate. Readers will share a book with a diversity theme with a  4th-, 5th- or 6th-grade student. The book will then be given to the child to keep.

Carpools will leave the Center for Service-Learning, 161 Wood St., at 12:50 p.m. each day. A brief orientation will be held in the Martel School Library at 1 p.m. Readers will read with students from 1:15-2 p.m.

For more information, or to sign up, contact Sue Martin, Center for Service-Learning, at this smartin@bates.edu, x8235.  Please indicate if you are willing to transport others.

James H. Cone, America’s pre-eminent black theologian, is the keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College. Scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in Alumni Gymnasium, Cone’s address is part of a celebration of King’s life and work that includes performances, workshops and a debate between ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Morehouse College. All events are open to the public free of charge. To read more about the day’s events, please click

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? is the theme for this year’s King Day programming at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. The observance begins on the eve of the holiday, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, with a worship service in the College Chapel, on College Street. The Rev. Joan Martin, of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., offers a sermon on the theme Not Fear, Not Safety, But Courage. Performances include dance and singing by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students.

Titled Martin, Malcolm and America, Cone’s address opens a day of events on King Day itself. Cone’s renown as a pioneer in the black theology movement, which relates African-American religious thought to the struggle for social and economic justice, began with the first of his 11 books, 1969’s Black Theology and Black Power. Cone is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at the Union Theological Seminary, New York.

Student debaters from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Morehouse colleges square off on a civil rights topic at 12:45 p.m. in Chase Hall Lounge. The match has historic resonance for both schools, which share a continuing commitment to collaborative projects. The nation’s largest liberal arts college for men, Morehouse was Martin Luther King Jr.’s alma mater. One of its longtime presidents was a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ graduate and accomplished debater, Benjamin Mays, of the class of 1920. Mays was a lifelong adviser to the great civil rights leader and gave the eulogy for the assassinated King in 1968.

During the afternoon at locations in Pettengill Hall, concurrent workshops examine issues relating to civil rights and social justice, with sessions starting at 2 and 3:10 p.m. Workshop themes include King’s record as an antiwar activist and a presentation on images of Islam in the American media. Presenters include ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ faculty, the Rev. Joan Martin of Episcopal Divinity School, and members of the student civil rights teams at Auburn Middle School and Lewiston High School, who will discuss the progress of their work.

Also in Pettengill, in Room G21, a member of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’ American cultural and African American studies faculty and his father offer a presentation about a seminal American theologian at 4:30 p.m. As part of the Spiritual Journeys: Stories of the Soul 2001-02 Series, Associate Professor John McClendon III and John McClendon II will present the program African American Mysticism: A Father and Son’s Spiritual Journey With Contemporary Mystic Howard Thurman. Thurman (1900-81) was a champion of intercultural understanding and a powerful influence on King and other civil rights leaders. John McClendon II founded and directs the McClendon Institute for Learning, which provides educational and daycare services in Dayton, Ohio.

The King Day celebration concludes with performances at 7:30 p.m. in the Olin Arts Center Concert Hall. From New York comes Naturally Seven, an award-winning a cappella singing group that performs gospel and R&B influenced by hip-hop, jazz and classical sensibilities. Joining them is a troupe of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ dancers with an original piece commissioned for King’s birthday and directed by Lewiston hip-hop choreographer W. Barry Dean.

For more information about Martin Luther King Day at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, please call 207-786-6330.

Dance performance by W. Barry Dean and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students
Choreography by W.  Barry Dean

Student dancers, under the direction of hip-hop choreographer W. Barry Dean, will perform an original piece commissioned for the MLK Jr. observation. A resident of Lewiston, Dean comes from Chicago and attended the University of Southern Maine. He teaches hip-hop at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and with Elizabeth Hansen’s Dance Studio in Lewiston.

Naturally Seven A Cappella Concert

A cappella singing and recording artists Naturally Seven performed  at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in October to a full house and were requested to make this return visit. Group members are Roger Thomas, Marcus Davis, Dwight Stewart, Garfield Buckley, Rod Eldridge, Warren Thomas and Jamal Reed.

Hailed by critics as “deep, intense and brilliant,” this Gospel and R&B sensation debuted in New York nearly two years ago. They delivered a stunning performance at the A Capella Harmony Sweepstakes at Symphony Space, winning the title and a spot in the prestigious national competition in San Francisco. The ensemble went on to become Harmony Sweepstakes National Champions, besting top a capella groups with a performance one reviewer described as “the best surprise of the evening. Seven gracious young men stealing the show and the hearts of the audience with an astonishing harmonic banquet.” The group also took the “Best Arrangement” title for their lush revival of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” showcasting their “gorgeous textures, brilliant arranging and inspired, soulful delivery.”

African American Mysticism: A Father and Son’s Journey with Contemporary Mystic Howard Thurman

John McClendon II and  John McClendon III
Pettengill Hall  G21

Howard Thurman was a champion of intercultural understanding and a powerful influence on Martin Luther King Jr. Thurman met with Ghandi while developing his social philosophies. The McClendon father-son duo will reflect on Thurman’s insights in an open dialogue. John McClendon II founded and directs the McClendon Institute for Learning, a provider of educational and daycare services in Dayton, Ohio. John McClendon III is associate professor of African American studies and American cultural studies at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College.

1. Attack on the U.S.: Thinking Ethically, Doing Justice
Led by the Rev. Joan Martin

Martin, the William Rankin Professor or Ethics, Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., leads this discussion on the ethical challenges and appropriate responses to the events of September 11.
Pettengill – G65

2. September 11:  Effects on Our Workplace
Facilitated by Sarah Potter, director, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Bookstore

This session will discuss a range of responses people have felt and in our work place of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ from the events of September 11.  A work counselor will comment on reactions of  individuals, groups and whole departments to discuss  the meaning of the variety of reactions many have experienced since that important date.  Questions and thoughts from the audience are welcomed.
Pettengill – G52

3.Ìý Auburn Middle School Civil Rights Team Presentation

This team of 7th and 8th graders will do a session on the various projects and programs they have developed to address acceptance and tolerance in grades K to 8.  This presentation was scheduled to have been part of the Annual Conference of the National Association of Middle School Educators in Washington, D.C this past October.  The school withdrew due to the uncertainty of travel at that time.  Jen Blum ’04 and Melissa MacKay ’01 have been an integral part of their work and will join the presentation.
Pettengill – G21

4. Martin Luther King: Peace Activist and Opponent of War in Vietnam
Convener, Chris Beam, lecturer, Department of History, and archivist, Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library.

While Martin Luther King Jr. is best remembered as a civil rights leader, what is less known is that in the last year of his life, he became a prominent opponent of the Vietnam War.  This session will focus on King’s legacy as a peace advocate, one who sought non-violent alternatives to resolving disputes both among nations and within them.
Pettengill – G54

5. Racism in Brazil-Before and After United Nations World  Conference on Racism in Durban
Led by Antonio Olimpio de Sant’Ana, executive director CENACORA (National Ecumenical Commission to Combat Racism). Convener: Czerny Brasuell, Multicultural Affairs/Multicultural Center

Usually touted as a successful multicultural, multiracial society, Brazil has been struggling to respond to its reality: a society that is very much compromised by its colonial legacy of slavery and the genocide of its indigenous citizens. Today myriad alliances exist which are forcing these issues into the public forum, not only within the country but globally, such as at the UN World Conference Against Racism this past
August, where Brazil was represented by more than 500 delegates.  Sant’Ana was both a member of the National Committee of the BrazilianzGovernment for the Preparation of Brazil for Participation in the World Conference; he also is a consultant to the World Council of Churches Program to Combat Racism
Pettengill – 162
Session Two, 3:10-4:10 p.m.

6. Racism, Sexism, Homophobia:  Getting the Connections
Convener:  Program in Women and Gender Studies
Erica Rand, associate professor of art, and Kevin Kumashiro, assistant professor of education

An opposition between chaos and community might seem to imply that good communities are unmessy or unitary, but are they?  How can we build communities without hiding messes and margins?  How can we deal productively with differences and oppression, which, of course, also construct each other?  This workshop takes on a fragment of this political task by looking at challenging intersections of racism, sexism, and homophobia in the work of building connections and communities.
Pettengill – G52

7. On Orientalism: Images of Islam in American Media
Convener: Loring Danforth, the Department of Anthropology

Viewing and discussion of a video that presents Edward Said’s  work on Orientalism.  Said argues that the American view of the Middle East as a land inhabited by fundamentalists and terrorists
dehumanizes the diverse peoples of the area. The video includes interviews with Prof. Said and a variety of film clips from news  programs and films depicting the Arab and Moslem worlds.
Pettengill – G65

8. Tolerance in Secondary Schools

The Lewiston High School Civil Rights Team, a committee of students, discusses their role as LHS has become increasingly diverse.  They will focus on several activities including school wide Diversity Day and a survey done by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students.  They also will discuss the challenges of taking a leadership role against intolerance and the criteria for a team to be successful. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students who worked on the survey will participate also.
Pettengill – G21

9. The Conquest of Violence: King’s Passion for Peace
John Mendez, clergyman and civil/human rights activist, founder of Citizens United for Justice. Convener: Czerny Brasuell, Multicultural Affairs/Multicultural Center

Coming of age in the 60s, Dr. Mendez was part of the student movement which galvanized the civil rights movement; he understands his faith to be inextricably linked to his social justice mission, a belief also espoused by King.  What does September 11 mean in the context of King’s philosophy?  Have we forever moved beyond the possibility of resolving society’s problems without resorting to violence? Mendez was a leader in the struggle to organize K-Mart workers in North Carolina, an effort which spread to several other southern states; he is also a principal ally of the San Carlos Apaches in their fight to gain recognition for their sacred sites. Both of these campaigns have been undertaken successfully without violence.
Pettengill – G54

Topic: Is Racial Profiling Justifiable?
Chase Hall Lounge and BCTV

The visiting team comes from Morehouse College, the Atlanta institution known for its tradition of illustrious graduates, including The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  Benjamin Mays, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ class of 1920, was president of Morehouse for 27 years and a mentor to King. The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ debate team, of which Mays was an accomplished member, comes with a longstanding and esteemed tradition of debate. The forum includes an opportunity for audience members to speak.

10-11:30 a.m. in  Alumni Gymnasium

Welcome by President Donald Harward
Music by The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Jazz Ensemble
Overview by Jill R. Reich, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty
Musical Selection: Bridge Over Troubled Water, Naturally Seven
Speaker Introduction by John McClendon, associate professor of
African American studies and American cultural studies

Keynote Speaker: James Hal Cone
Martin, Malcolm and America

James Hal Cone is the Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.  Cone received his B.D. from Garrett Theological Seminary in 1961 and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University, in 1963 and 1965 respectively. His research and teaching are in Christian theology, with a focus on black theology and the theologies of Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as 20th-century European-American theologies. His many books include The Spirituals and the Blues, For My People, God of the Oppressed, My Soul Looks Back and Speaking the Truth.

11:30 a.m.
Lunch – Dine on your own in Commons or Den
Commons – MLK Day lunch – $3 for non-students

11:40 a.m.
Lunch conversation, questions and answers with keynote speaker in Rowe Room – Commons (Bring tray or lunch for Q & A)

Sunday, Jan. 20, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Chapel

7 p.m.

Not Fear, Not Safety, But Courage
The Rev. Joan Martin William Rankin Professor of Ethics,
Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass.
Music by The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Deansmen, Shape Notes Singers and Northfield
Also featuring ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ dancers Devon Fitchett ’02, Justin Stebbins ’02 and Aisha Bell ’03, and a troupe of student actors who will provide a dramatic interpretation of the text that Martin has chosen for the evening.

Sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain, this annual service of worship opens the college’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The Rev. Joan Martin is renowned for her scholarly work on the African American Christian tradition, including womanist social ethics, her research on the ethics of work and human labor, and her interpretations of the history of Christian social ethics. Her latest book is “More Than Chains: The Work Ethic of Enslaved Christian Women” (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2000).

8:30 p.m.

Reception and conversation with the Rev. Dr. Joan Martin
Multicultural Center

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2002 by participating in a variety of activities scheduled from Sunday, Jan. 20, through Thursday, Jan. 24. The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ faculty has suspended classes on Monday, Jan. 21, to enable the entire community (students, faculty, staff and guests) to join in the following: