By The DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History will celebrate “The Drum Major For Justice” during a full-day of activities honoring the late Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Monday, January 18, 2010. All activities will take place at the Museum which is located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street at South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago’s Washington Park, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 P.M. Full day admission prices are as follows: Adults – $8, Children (4 years old and older) – $5 and DuSable Museum Members – $6.
The 2010 “King Day Celebration,” formerly referenced as ‘Martinmas Day,’ will consist of a day filled with performances, films, and tributes to the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the nation’s first Civil Rights Leader. Included on the schedule are the following family-friendly activities and performances: (Please be advised that performers and performance times are subject to change.)
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES:
* 11 A.M. & 12:30 P.M. – “To Be Young, Gifted & Black,” featuring The Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble.
* 2 P.M. – Victory Gardens Theater presents a staged reading of “Blue Door,” a new play. Written by Tanya Barfield and directed by Andrea J. Dymond.
* 4 P.M. – “Meet Dr. King,” starring Marcus Gentry.
DANCE PERFORMANCES:
* 2:30-P.M. – The RH School of Performing Arts presents “Let Freedom Ring,” a tribute to Dr. King in music and dance.
* 3:30 P.M. – The Imani African Dance & Drum Troupe presents “A Drum Major For Justice.” Through a unique presentation these young people, ranging in age from four through 18 will take visitors on a journey through The Middle Passage.
STORYTELLING:
* 11:30 A.M. – Gwen Hilary and Enoch Williamson present “The Dream Maker,” a storytelling adventure about the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King.
* 3 P.M. – “A Quest For Freedom” featuring storytellers Kucha Brownlee and Tony Brown.
FILMS:
* 10:30 A.M. – “The Proud Family: I Had A Dream,” A look at life during 1955 as seen through the eyes of the popular animated character.
* 1 P.M. – “Our Friend Martin,” an animated time-travel adventure.
SPECIAL SYMPOSIUMS:
* 4:30 P.M. – “We Were Also There,” This symposium moderated by the award-winning journalist and television personality Merri Dee will focus on local activists who will come together to share stories of how they joined with Dr. King on his journey for justice. This program is presented in collaboration with McCormick Freedom Project.
* 5 P.M. – Youth Non-Violence forum – This special program highlighting “Dr. King’s Non-Violent Movement” will be a solution-driven contribution to community education and awareness during a time when there is a horrific level of unprecedented youth violence in Chicago. Last school year alone, 34 Chicago Public School students were killed and another 290 shot on the streets. As of November 8, 2009, 10 students have been killed only two months into the school year. And according to a demographic breakdown of violence in Chicago published by the Chicago Sun-Times on November 12, 2009, 88.5% of victims of violence in our city are male and 74.8% are African American. Leading experts will be on-hand to discuss ways to combat violence and build stronger and safer communities.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
* 10:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. – Craft Workshop provided by the MGR Foundation where visitors and guests will be able to create their own special souvenirs.
* 10 A.M. – 2 P.M/ – Power 92 Radio will broadcast live.
(Please be advised that performers and performance times are subject to change. Visit our website at www.dusablemuseum.org or call (773) 947-0600 for updated details.)
Special Admission prices as follows: Adults-$8, All Children- $5 and DuSable Museum Members- $6. ABSOLUTELY NO PASSES or REDUCED ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The 2010 King Day Celebration is co-sponsored by the Harper Court Arts Council and McCormick Freedom Project.
Posted on January 18, 2010