On Thursday, Jan. 18, there will be a collection of performances entitled "A Night of Dreams" in Pease Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. celebrating MLK Jr.’s legacy.
This event is the inaugural celebration and is being organized by J. Nick Smith, associate director of bands, and director of athletic bands for the School of Music & Dance. The event will feature performances by students, staff, alumni, and community members. Smith plans to use music to convey MLK Jr.'s message and is honored to be leading this event.
"The MLK Celebration Planning Committee reached out to me for help with a concert, eventually leading to me being asked to chair," Smith said. "One of the first visions we created was 'A Night of Dreams,' utilizing musical performance to understand a kaleidoscope of historical context. To me, this event truly celebrates what MLK Jr. was getting at in terms of bringing the community together. This concert is formatted in such a way to balance talent from all walks of life, students and professional musicians."
Featured performances will include Mama Sōl, a hip-hop artist, motivational speaker, and mother from Flint, Mich. Sōl uses her passion for words to encourage others towards self-love, uplifting perspectives, and greater purpose.
Another performer is the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir, a high-spirited group of third through eighth-grade students offering a dynamic presentation that will be both positive and uplifting.
This event is a part of Eastern Michigan University's program of activities celebrating MLK Jr.’s life. Activities include a wide range of inspiring and informative events, such as panel discussions, performances, and a keynote address, among others. These events will provide participants with a unique opportunity to engage with members of the university and local community to commemorate the contributions of one of history's most influential figures. The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. has been a yearly tradition on EMU’s campus since 1986.
