Honoring life, legacy of King

Angela Davis guest speaker at University event Angela Davis, internationally known for her continuing work combating economic and racial injustice, will be the guest speaker at the University's observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19.

Davis, a professor at the University of California-Santa Cruz, will speak at noon in Rockefeller Chapel. A reception for students and Davis will follow.

In 1969, Davis earned national attention after being fired from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department at UCLA because of her social activism and her membership in the Communist Party. In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List, accused of being a part of a fatal shooting at the Marin County, Calif., courthouse. She was arrested, and during her 16-month incarceration, a massive international "Free Angela Davis" campaign was organized. She was subsequently acquitted. In the years since, Davis has worked on issues including prisoners' rights and is a powerful critic of racism in the criminal justice system. In addition to Davis' address, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day program will include the Evangelistic Crusaders, Church of God in Christ Choir and the Groupo Folklorico Internacional dance troupe, as well as group and individual performances by University students.

At the University of Chicago Hospitals, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Avis LaVelle, Vice President for Government & Public Affairs, will speak at noon in Room P117. The celebration will also include the St. Thomas Apostle Choir and the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award to a Hospitals employee.