The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement will continue to be commemorated as a part of Unity Week with a musical recital featuring student, university and community groups.
Twelve groups and performers will showcase their talents around the theme of King’s message and African-American contributions to music tonight at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Recital in Sursa Hall. .
George Wolfe, a professor of music and outreach coordinator for Center of Peace and Conflict Studies, said the idea of the event is to bring campus and the community together around a common theme.
“[The concert fits in with] the whole emphasis of Unity Week,” Wolfe said. “It speaks to that theme of bringing people together.”
Many of the performers featured this year are African-American spirituals, Wolfe said. Some of the groups performing include Hazelwood Christian Church Adult Choir, Ball State Chamber Choir and student group Voices of Triumph.
A request for submissions to perform at the event was sent out and the groups to perform were selected.
Although it is centered on King and his message, the event was not planned for Monday so it wouldn’t conflict with service activities or other Martin Luther King Jr. Daytributes and to continue the message throughout the week.
Wolfe, who will speak about non-violent resistance before the event, said music is a fitting way to honor the legacy of King because of the role it has played in social advocacy efforts such as boycotts and sit-ins.
“The arts have always played a dynamic role in social activism,” Wolfe said. “There are many pieces of music that were written as protest. Awareness can be raised within society to bring about reform. During marches, the people would sing, it helped them endure the stress of the activist effort.”
This event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Sursa Hall and is free and open to the public.
