MURFREESBORO – The Chowan University Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People announces the “Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration on the 50th Anniversary of his Assassination.” The event will be held April 4 at 7 p.m. at Chowan University in Turner Auditorium of McDowell Columns Hall.

The purpose of this tribute is to unite the University and the surrounding community to honor Dr. King. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his assassination. As a pivotal advocate for African Americans during the Civil Rights movement in the United States, Dr. King began a series of peaceful protests across the country that eventually changed many laws dealing with the equality of African Americans. The commemoration will celebrate his life and legacy as well as acknowledge the institutional racism that persists today.

The tribute will include two lectures. The first lecture given by Dr. Gregory S. Taylor, Professor of History, will discuss the 1960 Greensboro, NC sit-ins. The second lecture will examine institutional racism (past and present) by Dr. Cicely J. Cottrell, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. The ceremony will have performances by student organizations: Instruments of Praise, Mimes of God, Poets Incorporated, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Additionally, prayer and remarks will be provided by Rev. Dr. James Shearn, Pastor of Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Hertford County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Dr. Cicely Cottrell at 252-398-6438 or cjcottrell@chowan.edu.