8A - The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, January 19, 1999 MLK DAY Musical tribute honors King By Emina SendUarvic For the Daily . More than 40 people gathered at the North Campus Pierpont Commons on Friday evening to pay personal tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. through song, music and interpretation. The second annual "A Tribute Through the Arts to Dr. King," sponsored by the Black Arts Counsel and the Pierpont Commons Arts and Programs, included performers, talented members of BAC and students from the School of Music. "I think music is the only language you can pro- mote peace through. It's something everyone can understand," said Edith Yokley, vice president of BAC and a Music graduate student. Once the lights were turned down low, the evening began with the audience and performers singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the black national anthem composed by James Weldon Johnson. The event created a pleasant atmosphere as stu- dents enjoyed music and song in memory of King. "It's remembering someone who made it possi- ble'for us to be here, to go to this school," Music senior LaTonya Woods said. BAC members and Music students performed classical music, along with songs representing the numerous struggles of blacks. Aaron Flagg, president of BAC and a Music doc- toral student, performed "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," a traditional spiritual. Tami Lee, a Music graduate student, skillfully performed "Zigeunerweisen" on the violin. Lee had an obvious impact on audience members, who applauded and showed their appreciation when she finished. "The impact (of the evening) was well-felt," Yockley said. Between acts, performers recited some King's more famous quotes to create a link between the holiday and the performances. Flagg said the struggles of black artists and musicians reflect the Civil Rights Movement of which King was a part. "Martin Luther King Day is more that just a legal change ... and there has been similar discrim- ination in the arts as well as in the mainstream," Flagg said. The evening came to an end when the perform- ers and the audience joined hand-in-hand singing "We Shall Overcome." Some of the participants said they enjoyed the event because it had a more personal feeling than the speeches of the weekend. "I liked singing and holding hands," said Erica Sopha, an LSA junior. MLK Continued from Page 1A led a march that included about 100 people. Another event yesterday was geared to a somewhat younger crowd. Students from Ann Arbor and Detroit Public Schools gathered in the Anderson room of the Michigan Union for a luncheon and speech by WJLB Radio Broadcaster John Mason. Black Volunteer Network Rep. Mitzi Dorbu, an LSA senior, said the program targeted the high school students because they are often overlooked in memorial programs for King. "We wanted to give them an experi- ence they might not usually receive," Dorbu said. Feeling a deep understand- ing of King's message can empower young people in a way they might be unaware of, she said. "We want them to know that there are people working everday in your com- munity," she said. "You can be one of them. You too can be a leader." The theme of his speech was moti- vating students to prepare for college, and Mason used King's wisdom to inspire students, said Mason's producer Meeco Harp. "He said basically whatever you want to do in life, have passion for it,"Harp said. King's contribution to civil rights also spurred discussions on the struggle of black citizens in other periods in U.S. history. Art history Prof. Margaret Root held an informal discussion in the Museum of Art about two sculptures made in commemoration of the emancipation of the slaves after the Civil War. The artwork feature President Lincoln and was created shortly after his assasie nation. But not everyone on campus used their day off to participate in MLK activities. "There was no reason I didn't partic- ipate," LSA junior Matthew Schultz said. "I felt like it was a free day to get all my reading done for the week" Damon Williams, coordinator of the symposium, said he was not surprised by the interest shown in yesterday's events. "They were very well attended,* Williams said. "It was about what I expected" A major event of the day, the MLK Day March, included more than 300 people, said Erica Dowdell, member of United for Affirmative Action. DANIEL O'DONNELL/Daily Performers honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. through music Friday night at Pierpont Commons. I GIOVANNI Continued from Page 1A people joined a protest march through campus. Although most marchers spoke out in defense of affirmative action, some protested other causes, such as the United States' sanctions against Iraq. "It's not only about affirmative action. It's about a number of different issues. It's general equality," said Erika Dowdell, an LSA first-year student and a member of United for Affirmative Action. The marchers shouted, statements in unison. "Affirmative Action is the way, long live the fight of MLK, we demand equality and integration in edu- cation," were among of the cries. The marchers slowed traffic as they made their way down South University Avenue, to State Street, turning on East Washington street before heading toward the Diag for a rally. People curiously watched from stores and restaurant windows as the crowd passed by. "Marching is a good way (to send a message) because it calls attention to a number of people who are focused on this," LSA sophomore Jeremiah Sims the rally, said Giovanni's message inspired him to become-more active on campus. "I should start doing something ... I want t become a part of it," John said. But LSA first-year student Raja Das said the march didn't encite him to join campus organizations to fight for equality later this semester. "This is pret- ty much what I do for the year," he said. At the rally, speakers addressed a range of issues, but especially affirmative action. People "make affirmative action a black issue but it is not, ... it is a rights issue," LSA first-year stu dent Samantha Brown said. said. LSA first-year student Tyrone John, who joined . _ -- - tw. - __ -- - READ THE DAILY REcYCLE DAiL 1 p O1Y A a 7 ® Accountdi;.jve display advertising deportment would like to thank GOOD TIME CHARLEY'S for their generous donation i-a Co-operativ Housings of, by and/for sudntsu Friendly People -- Sharing of Meals - Economical Livit Intier-Cooperative Council 337 East VW'ilam 662-4414 - FOOTBALL Continued from Page1A Jan. 8 fight at Sigma Chi. Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr suspended lineman Jason Brooks and fullbacj Ray Jackson from the team Wednesday for violating team rules. Jackson could not li reached for comment. Brooks said he had not spoken with Carr about his future with the team. "We're just waiting to see what happens with this case;" Brooks said. Under the University's Code of Student Conduct, Brooks was placed on "emei: gency suspension" from the University on Thursday for physically stalking or hari4 e, ing another person and stealing or destroying private or University property. Brooks is scheduled to meet with a representative from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs tomorrow as required by the Code's emergency suspen- sion provision. Goss said there are no specific dates set to review the players' suspensions from the football team. - "Basically we evaluate from time to time. We always have that right,"Goss said. "It ng was a huge privilege we took away" C I INTOfN address in the House chamber where the Continued from Page 1A White House Counsel Charles Ruff will spend several hours presenting opening defense arguments before the trial recess- -s for Clinton's State of the Union president was impeached. Senate Republican aides, who aske# not to be identified, said GOP leaders would prefer that senators adopt the demeanor of Supreme Court justices and not express themselves during the speech. 0 Up 7 f. k r ew Textbooks With inventory for the nation's largest colleges in one place - chances are we have your books in stock! " Only $4.95 shipping ... no matter how many books ordered " Guaranteed 30-day, no-hassle return policy * Fully secured-transactions 0 "01.---- ---- __. ' -.82 d .3. ~4x&Y.'. =r