The first week of the 2017 spring semester kicked-off with a celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with the theme, “unity, not uniformity.” The series of campus events began with the Diversity Speaker Series inaugural address by Chair of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile on Wednesday, Jan. 18, where Davison Hall was packed with a record-breaking 350 attendees.

“I believe Ms. Brazile set a great tone for the rest of the MLK Programming,” said Rebecca Senna of the Multicultural Center. “When people were leaving they were excited and ready to attend the wonderful events that are in this year’s lineup. I believe her speech helped encourage people to get involved.”

The college’s Social Justice Award recipients, Donald Stokes ’17 and professor of psychology Loretta Brady, were also honored at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner following Brazile’s remarks for their dedication to positive social change.

The day following the Dinner, the Multicultural Center and the Multicultural Student Coalition presented a Film & Discussion of Birth of a Nation, a 2016 American period drama film based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. Co-written, co-produced, and directed by Nate Parker (in his directorial debut), the film stars Parker as Turner, with Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller and Gabrielle Union in supporting roles. The movie portrayed a genuine look of at the sheer brutality and harshness of slavery.

On Monday, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, and Feb. 27, Professor Michael New will present a Discussion Topic in Dana 1D: The Last Holiday – A Three-Part Interactive Presentation of Black Music where students will explore the cultural, historical, political, and aesthetic dimensions of twentieth-century African-American music in a series of three interactive presentations. Beginning with the blues and jazz, including R&B, soul, and funk, and concluding with hip-hop and other contemporary sounds, these linked events will engage with the continuities and innovations of one of America’s most distinctive cultural traditions: black music. The presentation uses music to explore the political controversy over making Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday, including performances by Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, and Public Enemy.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Meelia Center for Community Engagement in a facilitated dialogue with local non-profit leaders to explore how we can collaborate with the community to address issues of social injustice. Building on community expertise, participants will discuss the social and community justice issues occurring in the great Manchester area, the work that is currently occurring to address these issues, and opportunities for continued work and collaboration.

Lucubrations will be holding an open-mic night on Thursday, Jan. 26, where students will share the opportunity to present poetry or music inspired by issues of social justice, inequality, or the struggle to build a beloved country.

Renowned poet Tiana Clark will be coming to campus for a teaparty, workshop, and dinner on Jan. 31. Clark is a young black poet who writes about issues of race, sexuality, and identity. She is one of the hottest new American poets and will attract attention from all around the Boston area and nationally.

Other events will include a community service opportunity with Access Academy; Campus Mass; Paint Bar Night; more book and film discussions; James Baldwin’s Collected Essays, and a performance by magician Ran’d Shine.

All events are sponsored by Campus Ministry, Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee, Multicultural Center, Multicultural Student Coalition, NHIOP, and President’s Steering Committee for Inclusiveness.