As part of the 2016 MLK Program at WSU, there will be a series of events that commemorate the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March and WSU’s connection to that historic event.
The purpose of the historic campaign was to win voting rights for African Americans in the south, and three individuals from Pullman traveled to Alabama to join the efforts. They were then ASWSU President David Warren, WSU staff-photographer James Barker, and faculty member Robert Cole (Economics). In January, Warren and Barker are returning to WSU to tell their stories. Warren’s photographs taken at the Selma March will also be on display on campus from January 20 to March 20.
Film
To help the campus learn about the Selma March, we will show the award-winning 2014 film, Selma. The film showing will be during the first week back, on Thursday January 14 at 6pm, in the CUB Auditorium.
Photo Exhibit
The exhibit of James Barker’s photographs of the 1965 Selma march will open Jan 20 in the Anthropology Museum at WSU. They will remain on display until March 20.
Panel and Reception for Photo Exhibit
The reception for the Photo Exhibit is Jan 21, 6pm – 8pm, Terrell Atrium. This event will feature a panel discuss by James Barker and David Warren, reflecting on their trip from Pullman to Selma in 1965. Here is a WSU Magazine article about Barker and Warren’s trip (https://wsm.wsu.edu/s/index.php?id=1196) and an online gallery of the Selma photographs https://wsm.wsu.edu/gallery/2015Summer-gallery.php#id=selma&num=0
29th Annual MLK Community Celebration
The keynote speaker for the MLK Community Celebration is Jasiri X, a community activist, educator, and award-winning Hip Hop artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Jasiri is nationally known for his work in the 1Hood Media Academy teaching media literacy to youth, as well as his use of Hip Hop culture to raise social awareness and political engagement. Jasiri also performed at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Selma March. He will bring a contemporary voice on past and present Civil Rights challenges. Come hear Jasiri and enjoy the rest of the Celebration, Jan 28, 6:30pm, CUB Senior Ballroom.
