Here’s a quick heads up: Chuck D is in town tonight.
The hip-hop icon, social activist, and founding member of Public Enemy will be giving a free keynote presentation at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston at 7 p.m. The appearance and lecture, which is open to the general public, is a part of Berklee College of Music’s 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which kicks off tonight and extends to January 30.
In addition to Chuck D’s keynote speech, the night will also feature a lecture from Wayne Dozier Henry, grandfather of DJ Henry speaking on behalf of Henry’s family and DJ Dream Fund. Chuck D will then host a panel discussion Berklee faculty members Matt Jenson, Omar Thomas, and Carolyn Wilkins, was well as staff member Janicanne Shane. From the presser: “The panelists will share thoughts on police brutality, environmental justice, gender equality, and LGBTQIA civil rights. Musical performances by Thomas, faculty member Nedelka Prescod, and others are also planned. Thomas will present excerpts from We Will Know: An LGBT Civil Rights Piece in Four Movements.”
Check here for more information on Berklee’s MLK Celebration events, and catch up on the full schedule of presentations after the Chuck D video jump.
Events: Berklee’s 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Friday, January 23
Kickoff Presentation and Community Pixel Art Project*
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (drop-in)
Student Activities Center, 921 Boylston Street, third floor
MLK Keynote Presentation featuring Chuck D
7:00 p.m.
Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue
Saturday, January 24
MLK Day of Service*
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Red Room at Café 939, 939 Boylston Street (pre-registration on Berklee.edu required)
Monday, January 26
The Life and Music of Gil Scott Heron
Presentation by Berklee professor Herman Hampton
Steve Heck Room, 1140 Boylston Street
Tuesday, January 27
Artist in Residence Gallery*
Presentation by Monicka Hasan of My Best Self Art
3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. (drop-in)
The Loft at 921 Boylston Street, third floor
A Tribute to Maya Angelou
Featuring reVERB Poets
7 p.m.
The Loft at 921 Boylston Street, third floor
Wednesday, January 28
Lunch with Berklee Administration*
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (drop-in)
The Loft at 921 Boylston Street, third floor
Freedom Summer Film and Discussion
7 p.m.
Student Activities Center, 921 Boylston Street, third floor
Thursday, January 29
So What, Now What: From Words to Activism Workshop
Featuring members of Forever Ray
1 p.m. (with lunch)
The Loft at 921 Boylston Street, third floor
Friday, January 30
MLK Celebration in Music
Featuring Valerie Stephens performing excerpts from Nina Simone: Her Music and Her Times, and Forever Ray performing the music of Ray Charles
7 p.m.
David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street
* denotes events for Berklee students, faculty, and staff; other events are open to the public.