Little Rock Nine Civil Rights Activist to Speak

In its annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the University of Washington Tacoma, along with the Black Student Union, will co-host a Unity Breakfast on Jan. 18., Martin Luther King Jr Day. The event begins at 8 a.m. in Philip Hall on the Tacoma campus.

This year’s theme is Sankofa: Looking Back, Moving Forward. Sankofa, a concept that originates in the Akan culture of West Africa, means that we must learn from the past in order to progress in life.

Civil rights activist Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine students who integrated the city’s Central High School in 1957, author of Lessons From Little Rock, will be the keynote speaker. Also appearing will be gospel singer Jacob Bellamy and his Praise Team and performers from the DASH Center for the Arts. A breakfast buffet will be served by Papa Eddie's Catering.

Following the breakfast, as part of a separate celebration, the City of Tacoma will present “Memphis Strike,” a three-minute video by UW Tacoma Professor Mike Honey documenting King’s last campaign in 1968 with historic photos set to music written and performed by Honey and David Sawyer. Honey is the author of the nationally acclaimed book Going Down Jericho Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King’s Last Campaign. The city’s celebration begins at 11 a.m. in the Tacoma Dome.

Seating for the breakfast is limited, and early registration is recommended. All reservations made online or by phone will require payment at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students with school ID, and $5 for children under age 10.

The day after the breakfast, Jan. 19, the university will host a meet-and-greet/book-signing with Roberts from 5-6:30 p.m. in Carwein Auditorium on the Tacoma campus. Copies of Lessons From Little Rock will be available for purchase.