Syracuse University and the surrounding community will gather Jan. 19 to honor and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

This year marks the 28th year SU will host the dinner titled “Yesterday’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Promise” at the Carrier Dome, according to a Jan. 8 SU News release.

Tickets must be purchased for the dinner, which begins at 4 p.m.  Students may use their meal plans to pay for the dinner or pay $15 without one. Ticket sales ended Wednesday, according to the release.

The remainder of the event is free and open to the public, but tickets are still required. Approximately 2,000 tickets have been distributed for the event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., said Kelly Rodoski, communications manager for SU News.

The event aims to inform younger generations about King’s goals, values and legacy, Rodoski said.

“Dr. King’s vision has not been fulfilled, and we as a society need to continue to work towards that goal of a just society,” she said.

The current generation was not alive during King’s lifetime to witness his work first-hand, Rodoski said.

The King dinner will feature keynote speaker Roslyn Brock, who was invited by a campus committee within Hendricks Chapel, Rodoski said. The committee focuses on organizing the event and deciding the event’s keynote speaker, she said.

Brock is the board chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and has been a force within the new generation of civil rights leaders, Rodoski said.

During the event there will be musical performances by The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble and a mass choir. In addition, performances featuring spoken word poetry and dance will be incorporated, Rodoski said.

The night will also include the presentation of the 2013 Unsung Hero Awards. They are given to four individuals and groups within SU and the Syracuse community that have been working to contribute positively to society without any recognition, Rodoski said.

The 2013 recipients include eighth-grader Adena Rochelson, Syracuse resident JoVan Collins, SU graduate student Brenda Muhammad and SU student group Engineers Without Borders, according to the release.

“This award is really an honor,” Muhammad said. “I truly just enjoy volunteering and helping others, so to be rewarded for that is a double bonus.”

Muhammad has volunteered helping women, children and the Syracuse community through various organizations such as the Red Cross, the International League of Muslim Women and Habitat for Humanity. She said it is a major aspect of her life.

“This has just been a different experience,” Muhammad said, but expressed slight nervousness about receiving the award onstage at the event.

Said Muhammad: “My biggest fear is going up those stairs. As long as I can do that, I think I’ll be OK.”

Published on January 16, 2013 at 11:02 pm

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu