Anderson University will begin its MLK Celebration Week with Herman Keith Jr., a renowned artist, educator, activist and Anderson native, Monday, January 15, 2023, 10 a.m. in Henderson Auditorium.
Keith is the founder of the South Carolina Rural Arts Project (SCRAP), based in Lake City, South Carolina, a conscious effort to energize and revitalize rural towns and communities through art by transforming public spaces collectively with local individuals, institutions and organizations.
Keith has used his gifts as an artist to “take the story to the people” in a powerful way to educate, evoke empathy and inspire movement toward a more just society. He was commissioned by Anderson Area Remembrance and Reconciliation Initiative to create a statue commemorating victims of racial violence in Anderson County between 1894 and 1911. The focus of the exhibit, which is on display at Anderson University through April 2024, is a structure Keith fashioned out of wood and metal that recalls the oppression African Americans experienced in the Southeast in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Here is a detailed schedule of activities for the week:
Monday, January 15:
10:10 a.m. — MLK Worship Service (doors open up at 9:30 a.m.), at Henderson Auditorium. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, January 16:
6:30 p.m. — Student Q&A with Herman Keith in the Student Center Theater.
Wednesday, January 17:
10:10 a.m. — Chapel speaker is Michael Pigg, director of African American Engagement for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The chapel will take place in Henderson Auditorium. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, January 18:
Connect Club is holding a Martin Luther King Trivia Night, 6 p.m. in room 302 of the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center.
Friday, January 19:
10:10 a.m. — The Chapel speaker is Dr. Pam Larde, professor of leadership in the Anderson University Center for Leadership and Organizations. This takes place in Henderson Auditorium. Free and open to the public.
7 p.m. — Juneteenth Documentary “Faith and Freedom,” featuring Rasool Berry at the Student Center Theater. Free and open to the public.
MLK Days of Service
Because service is a part of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., student volunteers will be throughout the community working on projects.
Saturday, January 13 — Building SnackPacks for children and writing cards of encouragement at United Way of Anderson County.
Monday, January 15 — Volunteers will help with cleanup at Asher House. A team of volunteers will also cook breakfast and do painting at Hope Missions at Young Memorial ARP Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 16 — Volunteers will be at Meals on Wheels Anderson packing meals for distribution to the elderly and indigent. Another group of volunteers will visit the Rainbow Gang, where they will interact with adults with intellectual disabilities. Another group will be at the Lot Project serving food, interacting with clients and organizing donations.
Wednesday, January 17 — Volunteers will organize the resource room of the Champions Center for Special Children.
Thursday, January 18 — A group of volunteers will be at the Lot Project serving food, interacting with clients and organizing donations.
For details about MLK Celebration Week, contact the Anderson University Office of Diversity, Community and Inclusion by calling 864-231-2165 or email audiversity@andersonuniversity.edu.