King Day Convocation, Open House on January 19

GALESBURG -- Knox College will celebrate Martin Luther King Day with a free, public convocation at 11 a.m., Monday, January 19, in Harbach Theatre, Ford Center for the Fine Arts, on the Knox campus in Galesburg, Illinois.

"This year is an extra special celebration of Martin Luther King Day, since it comes on the eve of the inauguration of the United States' first African-American president," said Konrad Hamilton, associate professor of history and chair of the American Studies Program at Knox. "There will be a special spirit of celebration this year."

Hamilton will deliver the convocation address, "The Audacity of Citizenship: The Meaning of King in the Obama Era."

Prior to the convocation, in the lobby of the Ford Center for the Fine Arts, Knox will replay audio excerpts of speeches by Martin Luther King, and the video of "A Place in History," Barack Obama's 2005 commencement address at Knox.

Also at the convocation, the Knox College Choir and jazz vocalist Semenya McCord will perform musical selections, and Fred Hord, professor and chair of Black Studies at Knox, will read a poem, "Conversation Dreams of a King and President."

Hamilton began teaching at Knox in 1991. His research interests include the Civil Rights movement, history of American public policy, and comparative emancipation. Hord has taught at Knox since 1988 and has published books in poetry, philosophy, psychology and literary criticism.

Also on January 19, the Knox College Office of Admission will host an open house for prospective students and families. Events will include campus tours and observation of classes; meetings with faculty, coaches, and admission counselors; and information sessions on academic programs, student life, and applying for admission, scholarships and financial aid. Open house events are free for prospective students and their families. To register, call the Office of Admission by Friday, January 16 at 309 341-7100.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 47 states and 48 nations. Knox's 'Old Main' is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.