SA: Nation’s Largest MLK March to Feature Member of Little Rock Nine

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Nation’s Largest MLK March to Feature Member of Little Rock Nine
http://www.sanantonio.gov/news/NewsR...=1024&ver=true

Dr. Terrence Roberts selected as keynote speaker for 21st anniversary commemoration

Arkansas scholastic history will merge with a stronger call for educational commitment in San Antonio with the selection of a keynote speaker for the 2008 MLK March and Commemorative Program scheduled for Monday, January 21, 2008. The City of San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission recently chose Dr. Terrence Roberts, PhD, to deliver the keynote address following the nation’s largest MLK March. The nearly three-mile march is a tribute to Dr. King, a civil rights icon and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Dr. Roberts is a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of students who made history by becoming the first African-Americans to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The historic figures, joined by national leaders including former President Bill Clinton, recently commemorated the 50th anniversary of that trailblazing moment when federal troops escorted them into the school on September 25, 1957.

Dr. Roberts joins another national figure coming to San Antonio for the 21st anniversary of the City’s MLK March and Commemoration. Renowned poet and Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni will be the featured speaker for the Trinity University MLK Lecture Series. Giovanni, most recently recognized for her moving address during the nationally-televised memorial service at Virginia Tech, will address Trinity students and other members of the community on Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

“Dr. Roberts and Ms. Giovanni symbolize both the struggles and successes minorities have experienced in this nation’s educational institutions. Their poignant and inspiring encounters will resonate with this year’s theme,” said 2008 MLK Commission Chair Gloria Ray. “Those accounts need to be heard so we all can grasp a keen awareness of the sacrifices that have been made, the perseverance necessary for us to pursue greatness, and the hope that we can, and should, make a difference.”

Education: March from Dream to Reality is the theme for the 2008 MLK March and Commemoration. An expected crowd of more than 100,000 people of all races, ages and economic status will simulate Dr. King’s legacy of marching for equal rights and opportunities for all.

The MLK March takes place every year on Dr. King’s national holiday and is the highlight of the annual commemoration organized by the City’s MLK Commission. The march starts at 10:00 a.m. at the MLK Freedom Bridge near the Eastside Boys and Girls Club, 3503 MLK Drive. A diverse crowd will journey through San Antonio’s eastside, bringing a walking tribute to one of the greatest civil rights leaders to a close at Pittman-Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa. The commemorative program featuring Dr. Roberts then begins at approximately noon. The annual MLK Job Fair also follows the march.

Other commemorative events include the MLK Public Awards Program, Interfaith Service, Hip Hop Youth Summit, MLK Art Exhibit and a wide selection of activities taking place at San Antonio Public Library branches, local college and university campuses, military installations, and places of worship.

The 2008 MLK commemoration marks the 40th year observance of Dr. King’s death. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

For more information, call (210) 207-7224 or (210) 207-7278.