Harry Belafonte to Speak at Purdue
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University will welcome singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte to campus Tuesday evening as part of its celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Belafonte will give the keynote speech at the Stewart Center’s Loeb Playhouse.
The theme of this year’s MLK celebration is "The Fierce Urgency of Now: Where Do We Go From Here?" Belafonte played a major role in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, including taking part in the March on Washington in 1963.
"It will be a true honor to welcome such a tremendous artist, who, just as importantly, has also been a strong and active supporter of civil rights throughout his life, to Purdue," said Deba Dutta, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. "I cannot think of anyone more appropriate to be our MLK speaker this year."
Belafonte’s speech is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. following a candlelight vigil and march from the university’s Black Cultural Center to the Loeb Playhouse. The university will also present the Purdue Dreamer Award during the event, which is given to "an individual or organization in the Purdue community whose contributions embody King’s vision of service to others and furthers the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion."
You learn more about Purdue’s MLK celebration by clicking here.