Chattanooga Times Free Press

‘O King: A Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’

Gala event at UTC offers gratitude in word and song to late activist

- STAFF REPORT

A musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “life, legacy and tremendous impact on the civil-rights movement” is scheduled tonight, March 9, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanoog­a. “O King” is presented by the UTC Department of Fine Arts, Music Division.

Organizers say the gala event offers a challenge to imagine what American society might be like had King “not delivered his powerful speeches and moved thousands of citizens to come together in unity for social justice.”

The multidisci­plinary event will feature music ranging from gospel and spirituals to jazz and classical music by black composers, with performers from across campus and the community.

In between performanc­es, faculty members from the department­s of political science, criminal justice and philosophy will be joined by campus and community leaders, including Chattanoog­a Mayor Andy Berke, to offer brief spoken reflection­s about various aspects of King’s influence on society and how Americans may still benefit from the ideals he promoted.

Dr. Ethan Mills, of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, says his favorite aspect of King’s work “is his combinatio­n of tough-mindedness and tenderhear­tedness: Thinking clearly and carefully while speaking truth to power is compatible with acting out of love and compassion for all human beings.”

The tribute will take place in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall within the UTC Fine Arts Center. A reception will follow in the lobby.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS ?? Neshawn Calloway, right, and the UTC Chamber Singers are among the musical guests performing at “O King: A Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” tonight, March 9, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanoog­a.
CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS Neshawn Calloway, right, and the UTC Chamber Singers are among the musical guests performing at “O King: A Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” tonight, March 9, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanoog­a.

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