HENDERSON, Ky. — The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored with several events at Preston Arts Center on the campus of Henderson Community College over the next month.
A photo exhibit titled “Martin Luther King Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement,” will be on display in the Scott Foyer at PAC from Jan. 17-March 9. The exhibit is on loan from the Kentucky Historical Society.
After the modern civil rights movement began in the mid-1950s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as the major national voice for the movement. Under his leadership, the tactics of non-cooperation with unjust laws, persistent demonstrations and nonviolent responses to physical assault became the guiding principles of a mass movement designed to arouse the nation’s conscience.
King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his advocacy of non-violence. The KHS exhibit examines the events and personalities of the civil rights movement from 1955 to King’s assassination in 1968. Dozens of stunning photographs and numerous quotes from Dr. King’s most important speeches complement this important exhibit.
A panel discussion and community conversation titled “Dr. King’s Dream versus America Today” is planned for 11:30 a.m. Jan. 25 at PAC. This free event open to the public will explore the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Finally, Henderson Area Arts Alliance (a PAC partner) will present the theatrical production “The Mountaintop” on Tuesday, Feb. 13, in McCormick Hall.
This L.A. Theatre Works play imagines Martin Luther King Jr.’s life the night before his assassination.
The event will open at 7 p.m. with music by the choir from Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church. The play starts at 7:30 p.m. and a “talk back” with the actors will take place after the final curtain.
“The Mountaintop” is underwritten by Field & Main Bank, The Raymond B. Preston Family Foundation, Toyota Indiana and Air Hydro Power. It is intended for mature audiences.
Ticket information is available at the PAC box office, 270-831-9800.