January 15, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) will celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events and volunteer activities next week.

On Monday, Jan. 21, in partnership with the not-for-profit organization Hands On Birmingham, UAB students will work at Hill Elementary School painting shelves, as well as cleaning, landscaping and making minor repairs to the school.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, the UAB Black Student Awareness Committee will present a panel discussion, “The Dream,” during their general meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Hill University Center, Alumni Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. Panelists will examine whether the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. has been realized. The event is free and open to the public. Call the UAB Office of Student Involvement at 205-975-9509 for more details.

On Thursday, Jan. 24, the students will conduct a voter registration drive for students at 7 p.m. at the Hill University Center, Alumni Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. The final activity will be Saturday, Jan. 26, when student volunteers will distribute food at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham.

In addition to the student activities, the Alys Stephens Center, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will present “Reflect and Rejoice: A Community Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. Tickets are $20; student tickets are $7. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org. This event is sponsored by The Birmingham News, WBHM and Charter Media.

Leslie B. Dunner conducts the program. The featured soloist is American mezzo-soprano Carolyn Sebron.