Centenary honors legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King during annual "Dream Week"
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College has announced the schedule for its annual “Dream Week,” a celebration of the legacy and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Week programming is community-centered and encourages reflection, service, and action. The week begins on January 15 with the College’s 10th annual MLK Service Day and includes a special screening of the Shreveport civil rights documentary Beyond Galilee, conversations with local civil rights activists, and a performance by Mahogany Ensemble Theatre.
“The 2018 Dream Week events planned by the Office of Community Engagement and the Diversity Committee at Centenary provide opportunities for students to develop as global citizens who engage in the work of justice for all humanity,” says Kaylan Walker, director of community engagement. “I am excited that Dream Week cultivates a spirit of diversity in community service and inspires individuals to carry forward the unfinished work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as expressed in this year’s theme, MLK 50: The Legacy Endures.”
All Dream Week events are open to the public and most are free. The full schedule is available below and at centenary.edu/dreamweek.
Monday, January 15, 8:00 a.m.
10th Annual MLK Service Day
Kilpatrick Auditorium/Various Service Sites
Dream Week begins with Centenary students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners working together on the College’s 10th annual MLK Service Day. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler will be on hand to welcome volunteers and thank them for their service.
Participants will paint, clean, and make repairs at local schools and non-profit organizations, including Common Ground, Shreveport Green, Renzi Art and Education Center, Stoner Hill Elementary, Northwest LA Food Bank, and the Martin Luther King Health Center.
Registration for MLK Service Day is free and includes lunch and transportation. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium and participants will be returned to campus at noon for lunch.
Online registration is available here.
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, MLK Service Day is one of our nation’s biggest coordinated one day service opportunities each year.
Tuesday, January 16, 7:00 p.m.
A conversation on “Making the Dream a Reality” with Pastor Roosevelt Seaberry
Mickle 114 – Carlile Auditorium
Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m.
***This event has been postponed until February***
Beyond Galilee documentary screening and panel discussion chronicling the civil rights movement in Shreveport
Kilpatrick Auditorium
Co-sponsored by YWCA Northwest Louisiana and the North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition
Thursday, January 18, 11:10 a.m.
Annual MLK Convocation
Brown Chapel
A reflection from Reverend Harry Blake, civil rights activist and pastor of the historic Mt. Canaan Baptist Church
Friday, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
Staged reading performance: Mahogany Ensemble Theatre’s The Montgomery Bus Boycott
Anderson Auditorium
The Montgomery Bus Boycott, compiled and edited by Dr. Richard Emanuel, tells the story of this historic event that challenged Alabama segregation laws, paving the way for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule segregated bus seating unconstitutional.
Centenary students, faculty, and staff admitted FREE with College ID. Admission for the general public is $5 per person.
Saturday, January 20, 1:00 p.m.
7th Annual MLK Oratory Competition and Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony
Anderson Auditorium
This annual event presented by the Mahogany Ensemble Theatre in partnership with Centenary and the Shreve Memorial Library System honors the legacy of Dr. King and Northwest Louisiana’s rich Civil Rights heritage. The contest showcases the art of oratorical presentation and encourages the emerging leadership of talented youth in our community. This year’s theme, “Been to the Mountaintop,” commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s final speech in 1968.
The oratory competition is open to all students in grades 3rd-5th (elementary division), 6th-8th (junior division), and 9th-12th (senior division). The Youth Leadership Award is open to young adults ages 16-21. To enter, email mahoganytheatre@hotmail.com. Applications are due Monday, January 15th. For more information, call 318.382.2841.