The Brookline MLK Celebration Committee and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (ODICR) invites the community to the “Conflicting Voices of Liberty and Slavery (1765-1795)” event in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. BCF is a proud sponsor of this event.
This year’s program promises a moving celebration of the life and values of Dr. King with words, poetry and music to challenge and inspire. The event will feature:
- Keynote speaker and Pulitzer-prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson, author of American Inheritance, Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation 1765-1795, which reveals how the twin strands of liberty and slavery were joined in the nation’s founding. Was the American revolution waged to preserve slavery? Was the Constitution a pact with slavery or a landmark in the antislavery movement? Professor Larson brings to light the voices of unsung people of color, including those from Massachusetts, who spoke the truth to the powerful. What was debated and written in 1765 through 1795 became the paradox between American ideals and American realities that Dr. King and all of us struggle with to this day.
- Poet, educator and performance artist Regie Gibson returns to the Coolidge stage to provide his unique and thought-provoking verses. His supersonic delivery will have attendees sitting on the edge of their seats.
- Joyful Voices of Inspiration brings the uplifting messages of black gospel music to the celebration. Led by energetic Music Director Donnell Patterson, Joyful Voices is the premiere gospel choir in Metro Boston.
- Brookline Poet Laureate Jennifer Barber reads a selected poem chosen to complement the celebration.
The event will take place on Monday, Jan. 16, at 3 p.m. at the Coolidge Corner Theater. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance through the theater.