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Tech to Honor King on January 20
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Jan. 10, 2005--Joe Rogers brings his acclaimed "Dream Alive" program, honoring Martin Luther King Jr., to Michigan Tech on Thursday, Jan. 20.
Rogers, the former lieutenant governor of Colorado, will speak on King's work and his legacy, as well as deliver the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. King's 1963 address to a quarter million people in Washington, DC, galvanized American support for the civil rights movement, including the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The evening program begins at 6:45 p.m. in the Rozsa Center with music by MTU's Praise in Effect gospel choir. Rogers' "Dream Alive" follows at 7 p.m.
A reception with refreshments will be held afterward.
Rogers will also be the guest speaker at a Tech Tea, "The New Civil Rights Agenda," set for 4 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge.
Both presentations are free and open to the public.
Rogers has spoken at numerous colleges, corporations, churches and conventions. According to the Scottsdale Progress Tribune, "Rogers captures King's sound and delivery so accurately that mental video kicks in, as do all the cliches of teary eyes, goosebump arms and shouted amens. . . . Anyone untouched by this bleeds ice."
"People who have seen the presentation say it's uncanny. 'King is in the room,' they say," said the New York Times.
Rogers, a Republican, served as Colorado's lieutenant governor from 1999 to 2003 and was the first African American elected to that office. His rhetorical talents were recognized nationally in 2000, when he was a principal speaker at the GOP National Convention. He is now a practicing attorney.
"For everyone who has yearned to personally hear King's words and vision, with an up-to-date perspective, this is an experience not to be missed," said Betty Chavis, director of outreach and multiethnic programs at Michigan Tech. "We're inviting everyone to join us for a remarkable evening dedicated to keeping the dream alive."
Rogers worked his way through Colorado State University, majoring in business administration. While studying law at Arizona State University, he won the prestigious American Bar Association Negotiation Competition. After graduating, he practiced law and served as counsel to Colorado's former U.S. Senator Hank Brown. He entered politics, and when he was elected lieutenant governor, he was the the youngest candidate ever to serve in the post.
"Joe Rogers represents a new generation of leadership, and he will offer a fresh perspective," said Les Cook, vice president of student affairs. "He will speak to the relevance of Dr. King's message to contemporary life, and to the relevance of his message to all people, not just African Americans." |
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