Liz Hornyak: Happy MLK Day everyone! In this week’s news, a vigil held in honor of a young man killed in Ypsilanti Township Park, info on CloseUP Theatre Troupe’s anticipated MLK performances, as well as an opportunity to become a part of the Eastern Pride Identity Coalition. I’m your host Liz Hornyak, and you’re listening to the Eastern Echo Podcast.
On Jan. 13, a vigil was held at St. Matthews Methodist Church to honor the life of Brian “Trey” Matthews. On Jan. 11, police responded to a shooting near Ypsilanti Township Park. Trey was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and died at the hospital as a result of his injuries. As a result of his death, his family has started a social movement to raise awareness on gun violence with the hashtag #hisnameisTrey. You can visit our website for further details on this story. Trey’s death is still an ongoing investigation. If you have any information please call Detective Tom Boivin at 734-973-4625. You can also reach him at boivint@washentaw.org.
Here are the events you can look forward to this week at EMU:
Close Up Theatre Troupe is holding a performance today in the Student Center auditorium at 4:30 p.m. The troupe will tackle racism, stereotypes, and their own life experiences through acting. This is a free event. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. The second showing starts at 7:00 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m..
If you’re a gamer, then you don’t want to miss Drunken Mario Kart on Tuesday in Walton Hall from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Participants will have to wear drunk goggles while racing! For more information you can contact Nick Pomante at npomante@emich.edu. This event is free, but is not LBC approved.
On Wednesday, the Eastern Pride Identity Coalition, also known as E.P.I.C., is hosting a panel training from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30p.m. in the Student Center in Room 204. The coalition consists of faculty, students, and community members who educate others about their experience within the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re interested in this event, you can contact Amy Finkenbine at emu_epic@emich.edu.
On Thursday, at the Strong Hall Auditorium, from 4:00p.m. - 5:15 p.m., Professor John Mcurdy will be holding a discussion on “Quarters”. The book covers military power and how that power influenced revolutionary America. This event is free LBC approved. For more information, contact Ashley Bavery at abavery@emich.edu.
Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? On Friday at 7:00p.m., the Student Center auditorium will be showing “Gemini Man,” featuring Will Smith. This movie is rated PG-13.
On Saturday, Winter Fun Fest will be taking place at the Rolling Hills Metro Park from 12:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. This event costs five dollars. Attendees are encouraged to bring hats and gloves to donate to the Ypsilanti Clothes Closet.
If you are a parent or you have little sibling, niece or nephew, then you don’t want to miss PJ Masks Live at the Convocation Center on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for this event range from $25 to $60. Children 12 and under must have a parent or guardian with them. Visit www.emutix.com for more information.
In sports news, the women’s basketball team faces CMU at the Convocation Center on Jan. 22 at 7:00p.m. This is the last event of EMU’s MLK Celebration, with performances featuring the EMU Gospel Choir. When you call the EMU ticket office, mention MLK day and you can get an eight dollar ticket. You can reach the ticket office at 734-487-3669.
On Friday, Jan. 24, our gymnastics team faces WMU at the Convocation Center from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. This meet is free and open to the public.
On Jan. 25, the women’s basketball team goes against Northern Illinois at the Convocation Center at 2:00p.m. To get a ticket you can call the ticket office or visit emutix.com
To our listeners thank you so much for listening to another episode, and don’t forget to tune into our Thursday episodes. Tune in again next Monday when we bring updated news and events. Until then, this is Liz Hornyak, signing off.
Written by Jasmine Boyd
Hosted by Liz Hornyak
Produced by Lauren Smith