Day of Celebration Commemorates Historic Event

Jersey City, N.J. – On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, Saint Peter’s College will commemorate the 45th anniversary of when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Jersey City campus, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws and Letters degree, the first offered by a Jesuit college or university. To celebrate, a coalition of thirty offices, departments, programs and student clubs are planning events over the course of the school year and tomorrow, will host a series of events throughout the day including poetry readings, music and lectures.  

“Dr. King was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement,” said Anna Brown, Ph.D., program coordinator for King-Kairos Social Justice House and assistant professor of political science. “His determination and leadership inspired men and women across the nation to help bring significant social changes to our country. Dr. King left a legacy of hope that still lives on today. ”

On September 22, 1965, Dr. King addressed a crowd of approximately 500 people at the College’s Michaelmas Convocation, an annual ceremony that recognizes Saint Peter’s College students for outstanding academic achievement. According to an account in the school newspaper, Dr. King spoke against segregation and violence, and despite setbacks in the civil rights movement, King expressed optimism. “Although some will be scared, lose jobs and be called bad names, our problems will be solved,” King said. “We shall overcome.”

 

Raymond M. Brown, Esq., trial attorney, teacher, cofounder of the International Justice Project and host of the Emmy award winning NJN program, "Due Process", is a partner in the litigation department of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP.  Mr. Brown, son of the late Raymond A. Brown, Esq., famed trial attorney and civil rights activist who received an honorary degree from Saint Peter’s College in 1972, will be the kickoff speaker for the yearlong celebration at Saint Peter’s.

 

Below is a detailed schedule of special events, which begin at 8 a.m. and last until 7 p.m.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Anniversary and Year are co-sponsored by the Departments of Sociology, Urban Studies, Political Science, Latino/Latin Studies, Social Justice Program, Africana Studies, Public Policy, Women’s Studies, SPC Libraries, Campus Ministry, Community Service, VP for Mission and Ministry, Muslim Students Association, Haitian Student Alliance, Irish Club, Criminal Justice Student Association, SOCA, FOCUS, Sociology/Urban Studies Club, Voices of Praise, McMullen Chorale, SEA, Alpha Phi Sigma, Multicultural Club, Residence Life, Sodexo, LASO, AESNJ, ATOASA, SPC Dance Team, Peer Educators, EOF, History Club, Black Action Committee, and PRIDE. All events are free of charge and open to the general public. For more information, please contact Dr. David Surrey at (201) 761-7462 or dsurrey@spc.edu or Dr. Anna Brown at (201) 761-7462 or abrown@spc.edu.

 

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Saint Peter’s College, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment.

Contact: Sarah Malinowski, 201-761-6239

smalinowski@spc.edu