“Prophetic Imagination: Breaking Through to a New Vision” is the theme for a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Jan. 12–17 at Andrews University in Berrien Springs.
“The prophet among us is responsible for transferring to the people the ideal will of God,” says Joseph Warren, planning committee chair and associate professor of English. “In keeping with the theme, I’m especially pleased to welcome world-renowned Old Testament scholar and author Walter Brueggemann to our campus for our celebration keynote. Through his presentation, ‘The Prophetic Imagination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,’ Brueggemann validates Dr. King’s universal contribution to the important role of prophets as peace makers and advocates of justice.”
Brueggemann will speak as part of the University Forum lecture series at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Pioneer Memorial Church. Later that same day, at 2:30 p.m. in the Seminary Chapel, he will present “The Revolutionary Practice of Sabbath.” Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Through the weeklong celebration, three 2012 Martin Luther King Legacy of Freedom Awards will be presented. The Legacy of Freedom Awards were instituted at Andrews in 2006 to recognize individuals or organizations who exemplify King’s values of civility and equality.
Also on Thursday, Berrien Springs’s Elaine Chaudoir will be presented with a 2012 MLK Legacy of Freedom Award. Chaudoir began her volunteer service in 1958 as a charter member of the Berrien Springs Civic League. She has logged more than 29,000 hours as a volunteer with Lakeland Healthcare and held volunteer positions supporting Berrien Springs Public Schools.
James and Gloria Hippler, local business owners, will also receive a 2012 MLK Legacy of Freedom Award for their global, as well as local, service to the under-resourced. The award will be presented during the 11:20 a.m. worship service on Jan. 14 at Pioneer Memorial Church.
In addition, seminarian Richard White will be presented with a 2012 MLK Legacy of Freedom Award. White is being honored for his contribution to Harbor of Hope Mission and his work with Harbor Habitat.
Also during New Life Fellowship worship service, seminary student Richard Means will deliver “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
This was King’s last speech, delivered April 3, 1968, the day before his death.
Original works of poetry and drama, as well as religious and secular music, based on this year’s theme, are all part of Praize Café, held 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 14in the RESA Building, 711 St. Joseph Ave.
Celebration events conclude on Jan. 17, with two Academic Choices options at 11:30 a.m. A screening of “Angelina Jolie: Skin Deep” will run in the Newbold Auditorium of Buller Hall.
Also at 11:30 a.m., the 2012 MLK Social Justice Symposium will be held in the Garber Auditorium of Chan Shun Hall.
“The Spoiled Inheritance: Four Looming Crises” is the topic for presentations and discussions by students in ENGL215.