Speaker to discuss Kingís life

The chairman emeritus of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and widow of a slain civil rights activist, will speak on Monday for the main event of Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week.

Myrlie Evers-Williams, wife of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, will speak in Wilson Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m. She also is the first woman to serve in a full-time chairman position, from 1995-’98. Evers-Williams will speak on the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Evers-Williams’ late husband, Medgar, was shot and killed by Byron De La Beckwith within view of her and their children in 1963. Whoopi Goldberg plays Evers-Williams in “Ghosts of the Mississippi” which portrays the true story of Medgar Evers and the historic trial of his assassin.

Other events throughout the week include Unity Day on Wednesday on the Commons. “Rev. Derrick Parson who is part of the Wesley Foundation will be doing renditions of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches,” Lewis said.

There also will be a poetry night on Wednesday, Jan. 19. “Any form of expression is welcome, from songs to poetry,” Lewis said.

Friday will include the annual march from the James Madison statue outside of Varner House down to Grafton-Stovall Theatre, where a speakout will be held to commemorate the many marches during the Civil Rights Movement.

A non-denominational service will be sponsored Sunday by the IMPACT., Lewis said.