MLK Day Celebration to Feature Anti-racism Writer, Educator Tim Wise

photo of Tim Wise
Anti-racism writer, activist and educator Tim Wise will speak at Lexington's annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration Jan. 15.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2017) — Lexington's annual celebration and commemoration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday will take place Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. The Freedom March will begin at 10 a.m. at Lexington Center's Heritage Hall, and a special program inside Heritage Hall will follow the march at 11 a.m.

Prominent anti-racism author, educator, and activist Tim Wise will be the keynote speaker, and the theme of the program is "Dr. King’s Vision in an Age of Betrayal." The program will also include music of Charles Little and Sandra ‘Cissy’ Williams. 

Over the past 25 years, Wise has spoken to audiences in all 50 states, appearing on more than 1,000 college and high school campuses. He is the author of seven books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, "White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son." His forthcoming book, "White LIES Matter: Race, Crime and the Politics of Fear in America," will be released in 2018.

As part of the holiday activities Jan. 15, One World Films presents the movie, "Hidden Figures," At 2 p.m. in the Kentucky Theatre. The movie depicts the story of the heroic efforts of black female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race. 

All events are free and everyone is welcome. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is coordinated by the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.  For more information, visit www.uky.edu/mlk/ and http://www.uky.edu/mlk/sites/www.uky.edu.mlk/files/Save%20the%20Date_MLK%202018.pdf.