Former speechwriter for Martin Luther King, Jr., to speak at Fairfield University as part of MLK celebration | Press Releases

*Due to the recent storm, the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation, including the Vision Awards presentation, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 4, at 7 p.m., at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts.

Vision Awards presented to Connecticut residents at upcoming free event open to the public

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (January 15, 2015) - Dr. Clarence B. Jones, political advisor, counsel, and former draft speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be the keynote speaker at Fairfield University’s 2015 MLK, Jr. Convocation to be held at the Quick Center for the Arts on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at 7 p.m. Dr. Jones is currently a visiting professor at the University of San Francisco and a scholar writer-in-residence at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University. The event is free and open to the public , and is part of Fairfield University’s weeklong celebration of the life and legacy of the late Dr. King called “Dare to Dream.”

Also at the Convocation, Vision Awards will be presented to four members of the University community for their efforts to instill and inspire the teachings of Dr. King. Honorees are Nicole Davidow , a senior from Southington, Conn .; Dr. Jocelyn Boryczka , associate professor of politics, of Milford, Conn .; Will Johnson , associate dean of students, of Hamden, Conn .; and Larri Mazon , former director of Institutional Diversity Initiatives, of Hamden, Conn ., who will be awarded the Rev. John LaFarge, S.J. Award, named in honor of a leader and a spokesperson for the human rights of African Americans.

Wylie Smith Blake, campus minister of Community Outreach, and Dr. Kris Sealey, associate professor of Philosophy, are co-chairs of this year’s event, supported by a committee of 21 volunteers. “Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King is very dear to the Jesuit mission of our University,” Dr. Sealy said. “It is our hope that the theme of this year’s celebration – Dare to Dream – inspires our campus community reignite Dr. King’s tireless work toward racial and social justice in their own lives.”

In addition, winners of an essay contest for middle-school students from Bridgeport will also be announced. The contest, which is co-sponsored by Fairfield University and the Connecticut Post, addresses the questions: “What do dreams and hope mean to you?” and “How do you put your dreams and hopes for justice and equality into action?”

The Convocation is an integral part of Fairfield University’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance taking place the week of January 26, which features a series of campus-wide events designed to invigorate the spirit and inspire all to continue on with the important work reflected in the words, writings, and actions of Dr. King.

More details are available at fairfield.edu/mlk .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .