Released January 12, 2005

HATTIESBURG - On Jan. 17, people across the nation will honor the life of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts to promote peace, literacy and community service. On that same day, organizations at The University of Southern Mississippi will join in that endeavor by taking part in a variety of community service projects with other organizations in the Hattiesburg area.

American Humanics, CampusLink AmeriCorps, DREAM of Hattiesburg, the Iota Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Southern Miss chapter of the NAACP are sponsoring the second annual "Day Fit for a King." The day's events will kick off with community service from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Southern Miss Payne Center parking lot and volunteer at six different sites.

"Last year was a big success and we hope this year's events will be even better," said LaShana Sorrell, American Humanics president. "There is something for everybody to enjoy."

At 6:30 p.m. a commemorative ceremony titled "What a Man! The Life and Works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." will be held at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg. The evening event will showcase an array of talent, including Southern Miss' Jazz Band, a dance ensemble and a choir performing the national black anthem. A guest speaker will discuss diversity and how Dr. King's vision changed the nation.

The Saenger Theater event will also feature an essay contest--"What is diversity and how do you practice it through your life?"--for Hattiesburg, Lamar County and Forrest County students in grades 1-12.

For more information about the essay contest or any of the other events, contact the coordinators at americanhumanics@hotmail.com or (601) 266-5074.

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