University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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Activists gather in the Diagin front of the Marian Matcher Graduate Library. This peaceful march sym- bolized Dr. King ' s ap- proach to fighting rac- ism. Despite his death 28 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ' s dream lived on in the lives of many Ameri- cans. Honoring its commitment to equality and diversity, the University pro- vided programs and activities on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to commemorate and continue his vision. The keynote speaker was former surgeon general Dr. Jocelyn Elders, the second woman and first African-American to serve this post. Elders addressed social issues affecting the na- tion as a whole and African-Americans specifi- cally. She stressed that Dr. King would have been disappointed in the state of affairs today, as there were more African-American men in prison than in college. She feared that a decline in moral standards had produced a generation of children who were hopeless, hungry, help- less, homeless, and hugless. Elders cited Dr. King as a great influence in her life and hoped his legacy would inspire the nation ' s youth. Elder ' s lecture was followed by a Unity March sponsored by the Black Student Union. Stu- dents participated because they felt that racial equality had not yet been achieved. Others Greg Kessler came to commemorate the great advances of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Campu activities included discussions between variou racial, ethnic, and sexual groups. Another group of students spent the da) living part of Dr. King ' s dream: community service. The Office of Academic an Multicultural Affairs joined the Division of Stu- dent Affairs in organizing students to help th needy in surrounding communities. In the af- ternoon, lectures were held in the Modern Lan guages Building, addressing issues such as th Million Man March and the Black Panthers. The festivities concluded with a spectacula concert starring gospel singer Yolanda Adam; and the Michigan Gospel Choir. The day was a massive celebration of a man who dreamt of nation where racial equality existed. Organizers emphasized that the remembrance of Dr. King ' s ideas should have extended beyond the celebra- tion of his birthday once a year. Dr. King wai a marvelous man and leader. The effects of hi: fight for racial equality have extended beyond his death and our appreciation for him should ex- tend beyond his birthday, said LSA first-yea: student Kimberly Collins. Story by Emma Cartwrigh 330 Special Events T

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BluesTraveler band mem- ber Chan Kinchla plays a riff on the guitar during the Oct. 26 concert at Mill Audi- torium. The audience was treated to a mix of old and new hits as well as covers of Rock ' n ' Roll classics. Rob Greebel Some students looked forward to the Home- coming parade. Others laid out their Michigan clothing in preparation for the big game on Saturday. B ut much of the buzz on ampus Oct. 26-27 centered around the alternative rock band lues Traveler, which played at Hill Auditorium. The band, made up of vocalist John Popper, guitarist han Kinchla, bassist Bob Sheehan, and percussionist reandan Hill, released their fourth album, Four, in 1994. t included such hits as Run-Around, The Mountains Win .gain, and Hook. The three-hour concert was only one op on their national tour, which also included a performance t the summer ' s H.O.R.D.E. Festival, a musical extravaganza eaturing alternative bands. Blues Traveler, on tour to promote their latest release, layed to a packed auditorium on both nights. Blues Traveler old out two shows back to back, and that ' s as successful as you an get, said Linda Siglin from the University Office of vlajor Events. They were one of the more successful Home- oming events we ' ve ever booked. Booking the band was not difficult, despite their growing popularity in mainstream pop venues. It ' s a bid war, ex- ' lained Siglin. Different people and places bid on the bands, iut Blues Traveler wanted to play a college town after H.O.R.D.E., and as a result, almost 8,000 [U-M] students got to see the event. Blues Traveler ' s first set included material from their first two CDs, Blues Traveler and Save His Soul, as well as a bluesy version of the Beatles song, Imagine. Their decision to play this classic was evidence that Blues Traveler was gaining mainstream appeal. This newfound popularity was a result of increased airtime on national radio stations and on MTV. Some of the band ' s newer fans were unable to appreciate the older music recorded before the band became a national phenomenon. I enjoyed the concert but was disappointed with the first half. I know a lot of Blues Traveler songs and I was lost half the time, said junior Honors history major Danielle Naftulin. The second set of the show was filled with more songs from Four and their third album, Travelers and Thieves. The audience, familiar with these songs, gained momentum, and wouldn ' t let the band leave the stage; they played an encore each night. I thought that the concert was going to be bad, because people had said that the band sounded kind of flat the night before, said first-year LSA student Jen Persh. It was much better than I expected it to be. I would go see Blues Traveler again. Story by Lynn Kayner Special Events 329

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t. no, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satistied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. Martin Luther King Jr., Aug. 28, 1963 This woman ' s sign re- minds students that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ' s work is still unfinished. The University gave students the day off from classes in or- der to participate in the special activities. Greg Kessler In any language. Dr. King ' s message is clear. University stu- dents of all racial, eth- nic and religious back- grounds came together to celebrate his life and dreams on Jan. 15. 3 Layout by Lisa Harty Special Events 331