Mississippi Valley State University News December 10, 2015 MVSU Expands MLK Holiday Observance Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is set to host its 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration activities. Instead of commemorating King's efforts in one day, the event will take place during the entire weekend before King's actual day of remembrance, January 15 - 18. "Friday, January 15 will consist of movie night and Saturday, January 16 there will be a service project. On Sunday, January 17, there will be a panel discussion at the University's Chapel. Monday, January 18 consists of the march and national day of service. The weekend events are a collaborative effort of Community Service Learning, Student Leadership and Engagement, Religious Life, Athletics, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and University Advancement," said Cassandra Krah, special events and activities manager. Krah said King made major contributions to the African American community and it is vital to memorialize his legacy. King was born on January 15, 1929. King, both a Baptist minister and civil-rights activist, had a seismic impact on race relations in the United States, beginning in the mid-1950s. Through his activism, he played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African-American citizens in the South and other areas of the nation, as well as the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. MVSU graduate, Katie Hall, was the author and sponsor of the bill which commemorates King's birthday. "I am ecstatic about this event," said Krah. She said last year's event was planned in a short amount of time, which resulted in roughly 45 participants, but this year, Krah said she has a large number of supporters. Members of Valley's Student Government Association, along with representatives from other student organizations are expected to attend. All MVSU students have been encouraged to participate in the event as well. "We have so many participants that are involved this year. This year we plan to continue our partnership with the City of Itta Bena," continued Krah. King was allegedly jailed in Itta Bena during his journey for civil rights. "It is so important for our students to commemorate such an important part of their history. King's holiday is not just a time to be out of school; it is a holiday that should be celebrated," said Krah. For more information, contact Cassandra Krah at 662-254-3916. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.