RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) – The University of California, Riverside, invites the campus and community to join African Student Programs (ASP), and many other UCR organizations, in a three-part celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan.11, 2017.
The celebration kicks off at noon at the UCR Bell Tower with a “MLK Celebration Nooner” event. There will be a candlelight vigil from 5:15-5:45 p.m. at the Bell Tower, and at 6 p.m., ASP will host “An Evening with Lawrence Ross,” in HUB 302 South. All events are free and open to the public.
“I am delighted to see the many campus co-sponsors coming together to celebrate the life and legacy of this drum major for social justice,” said Ken Simons, the director of ASP.
Ross, an American author, was born in Los Angeles and attended UC Berkeley and UCLA, where he earned, respectively, degree in history, and a Master of Fine Arts degree. He worked as a reporter for the Los Angeles Independent newspaper, and was later the managing editor of Rap Sheet, hip-hop’s first West Coast magazine.
Ross, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, wrote, “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities.” The book tells the story of America’s black fraternities and sororities, and how these organizations have played a major role in shaping generations of black leaders. The book has appeared on the best-seller lists of the Los Angeles Times, Essence, and BlackBoard, a student magazine for Northwestern University. Ross’ other books include: “The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People;” “Friends with Benefits;” “Skin Game;” “Money Shot: The Wild Nights and Lonely Days in Black Porn;” and “Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses.”
In the past 10 years, Ross has lectured at over 300 colleges and universities, on the topics of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, hazing and how black fraternity and sorority members can fulfill their promises. He has also written commentaries for theroot.com, theGrio.com and CNN.com about African American fraternal life and education. He has appeared on National Public Radio and the program Good Morning Atlanta. Ross has also been interviewed in Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, Time magazine, and many other outlets.
Free parking will be available in Lot 1 after 4 p.m. The celebration is sponsored by ASP, Alpha Phi Alpha, Black Student Union of UCR, the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Diversity Council, and many others.
| About UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside (www.ucr.edu) is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California’s diverse culture, UCR’s enrollment has exceeded 21,000 students. The campus opened a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual statewide economic impact of more than $1 billion. A broadcast studio with fiber cable to the AT&T Hollywood hub is available for live or taped interviews. UCR also has ISDN for radio interviews. To learn more, call (951) UCR-NEWS. |
