Southern Arkansas University alumna and Arkansas State Senator Joyce Elliot will deliver the keynote address when the University holds its Martin Luther King Jr. memorial march and program on Monday, Jan. 18.
The celebration is in its 14th year at SAU and will begin at 5 p.m. with the memorial march to the campus from the intersection of Vine Street and University Avenue. Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot of Dennis BBQ, 2319 N. Vine Street, to begin the march. The program will begin at the conclusion of the march when participants arrive at the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center on the SAU campus. A reception will follow the program.
Although classes at the University will not meet on Martin Luther King Day, many students are expected to take part in the event. Cledis Stuart, assistant dean of multicultural affairs and student advancement, said the celebration has grown over the years with Greek organizations increasing their involvement. The public is also encouraged to participate.
“This will be the start of an ongoing effort to be more involved with the community,” Stuart said. “There has been a grass roots effort to address the violence and crime in the community.”
For more information on Southern Arkansas University’s Martin Luther King Jr. memorial march and program, contact Stuart at (870) 235-4046 or (870) 904-4290.