Syracuse University

The annual "I Have A Dream Week" at Syracuse University to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 with a candlelight vigil on the steps of Hendricks Chapel on the University Quad. Students, faculty, staff and members of the Central New York community are invited to gather to reflect on the theme of this year's event, "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere," on King's legacy and teachings, and on the meaning and hope of 'one house, one people, one dream.'

The observance will continue at 8 p.m. in the Watson Theater, 316 Waverly Ave., with Leon Williams, director of intercultural affairs at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Williams will present "Shattered Dreams," a program where he assumes King's persona and challenges today's African American students and their communities to conquer the obstacles facing today's black culture in an America where the dream has yet to be fully discovered. Williams has an extraordinary way of taking the sensitive issues of race, diversity and multiculturalism and injecting them with humor, love and passion.

Coordinated by the Office of Residence Life and sponsored by the Office of Residence Life Diversity Committee, the Residence Hall Association, the African American Male Congress, the MultiRacial Experience, Hendricks Chapel and University Union Cinemas, "I Have A Dream Week" will continue through Jan. 24. Scheduled events include the following:

• Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, "Why We Can't Wait," at 3 p.m. in the Schine Student Center, Room 304. The panel discussion, presented by the African American Male Congress and MultiRacial Experience, will explore the University community's commitment to the elimination of racism, poverty and war.
  
  
• Jan. 21: "Walking Towards Freedom: Past, Present, Future" at 5 p.m. in the Hendricks Chapel Noble Room, presented by artist Grant Williams, a lieutenant in the University's Department of Public Safety. Williams uses his pen and ink drawings to present a unique perspective on American life from the historical period of slavery through contemporary dilemmas in American society. An exhibition of his artwork will continue in the Noble Room through Jan. 31.
  
  
• Jan. 22: "DreamSmarts," an interactive trivia experience that will offer participants an opportunity to test their knowledge of King and the Civil Rights Movement. Prizes will be awarded. "DreamSmarts" will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Schine Student Center Atrium and from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Goldstein Student Center Atrium, located on SU's South Campus.
  
  
• Jan. 23: "Tunnel of Oppression" from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Lawrinson Hall Penthouse, 303 Stadium Place. The "Tunnel of Oppression" is a tour through the human experience designed to challenge thoughts, perceptions and inner feelings on issues dealing with oppression and diversity. Reservations for groups of six to 10 people may be made by calling 443-3637. Individuals will be assigned to groups of fewer than 10 people. Reservations must be made by Jan. 22.
  
  
• Jan. 24: "One Dream, One Mic: An Open Mic Night with Storytelling by Francis Parks" begins at 7 p.m. in the Goldstein Student Center dining area. Don Sawyer, assistant director for diversity in SU's Office of Admissions, will host the event.
  
  

Parks, director of Hendricks Chapel's Students Offering Service who is renowned for her captivating storytelling ability, will offer stories of hope and inspiration.

Students will also have an opportunity to creatively express the meaning of 'one people, one house, one dream' through poetry, song and dance. Performers must register with Christina Davis via e-mail at cdavis04@syr.edu or call 443-1885 by 5 p.m. Jan. 21. Performances may not exceed five minutes; content must follow the event theme and be appropriate for all audiences.

For more information on any Dream Week events, contact Alvin Sturdivant at asturdiv@syr.edu or 443-3893.