Media invited to cover events marking MLK celebration

January 14, 2010

VOLUNTEERING: On Monday, more than 150 University of Florida students will visit Reichert House Youth Academy, 1704 S.E. 2nd Ave., Gainesville, to paint, do repairs and create a music studio. The academy is an after-school program designed for at-risk males 11- to 18-years-old who need help making the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Volunteers will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RACE DISCUSSION: On Jan. 25, a faculty panel will address facts, myths and misconceptions about race and its defining influence in our society. Is race biological? How has race helped define the politics and history of our nation? This faculty panel will address these and many other facts, myths, and misconceptions about the concept of race and its defining influence in our society. The discussion starts at 6 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: On Jan. 26, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson will talk about his remarkable journey from tough, inner-city youth to history-making neurosurgeon. As the son of a single mother in a tough urban neighborhood, Carson was running with the wrong crowd and failing in school, feeling as though he had no way out. Driven by a passion for science and helping those less fortunate, Carson pursued medicine and ultimately become one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world. The speech starts at 7 p.m. in the Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

CONTACT: Natalia Leal, assistant director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs and
director of the Institute of Hispanic Latino Cultures, 352-392-1261, ext. 254. natalial@multicultural.ufl.edu