Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting its annual MLK Celebration to honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.
“This event is a time to celebrate Black History Month by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in addition to other black leaders,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director. “We use this time to educate the community and celebrate through performances and networking.”
Dinner will be provided along with student performances. Bettie Mae Fikes, a civil rights activist, singer and storyteller, will serve as the keynote speaker. Fikes began singing gospel music with her mother at age 4 and is a founding member of the Freedom Singers, a musical group active during the 1960s that sang songs on behalf of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Fikes also traveled and marched with King during the civil rights movement.
“I am looking forward to having someone who actually marched with Dr. King among us,” Beavers said. “The fact that she is a singer known as the ‘Voice of Selma’ and is a storyteller is amazing.”
The event is open to the SFA and Nacogdoches communities. Tickets will be available from Feb. 1 to Feb. 13 and are $2 for SFA students with an ID, $5 for faculty and staff with an ID, and $10 for community members. To purchase tickets, visit the student center information desk on campus.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
