Rapper Mohammed Bilal, T. Leon Williams and Bush Mango Participate in Expressions of King’s Legacy at RIT

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The annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. extends a full week this year at Rochester Institute of Technology. Members of the RIT campus and Rochester community are invited to attend programs, workshops and entertainment including rap music, West African Dance and a re-enactment of the “I Have a Dream” speech during Expressions of King’s Legacy, Jan. 25-29.

The opening keynote presentation features diversity consultant, musician, poet and actor Mohammed Bilal, who will speak at 4 p.m. on Jan. 25 in Ingle Auditorium in the Student Alumni Union at RIT. Best known as a member of the MTV Real World cast, Bilal will present “Twelve Steps to Appreciating Diversity” about social justice and equity.

Bilal is also the lead singer and songwriter for the musical group Midnight Voices, a hip-hop band based in San Francisco. Additionally, he produces innovative new media as managing editor of the 247 Townhall website, a Web channel dedicated to young adults and positive change.

T. Leon Williams, director of the Multicultural Center at Elon University in North Carolina, presents “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” at noon on Jan. 26 in the Campus Center, room 2610. “Inspirational, amazing and powerful are only a few of the words used to describe Williams,” says Howard Ward, interim chief diversity officer. “Leon is a God fearing young man who rose above the negative social fray to challenge, love, and educate folks from all walks of life.”

Taking on King’s persona, Williams recites “I Have a Dream,” King’s most famous speech, then follows up the performance with reflections on America’s progress on race relations, economic empowerment and advancement.

“This is the first year we are combining the annual Martin Luther King program with the Expressions of Diversity conference, usually held in spring quarter,” says Sandra Whitmore, co-chair of the President’s Commission on Pluralism and Inclusion. “We wanted something different and exciting, and I think we’ve found some very energetic entertainment and inspirational speakers.”

Whitmore also noted that a meet-and-greet with RIT’s new Chief Diversity Officer, Kevin McDonald will be part of the weeklong program. He will host an open house at 2 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Eastman Building, room 1120.

Entertainment for the week includes The Color Orange, a musical performance by Bilal and rapper Josh Goldstein at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 in Ingle Auditorium, Bush Mango Drum & Dance at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28 in the Davis Room in the Student Alumni Union. Following the Bush Mango performance will be the RIT African Percussion Ensemble, presenting Agbekor, a West African percussion piece, at 6 p.m. also in the Davis Room.

The week of programming is sponsored by the President’s Commission on Pluralism and Inclusion, the Center for Campus Life, Study Abroad and the AALANA Collegiate Association.

All programs are free and open to the public. The full schedule of all performances and presentations can be found at the RIT Diversity and Inclusion website and campus participants are asked to register for the events at this site. Off-campus guests are asked to register by emailing grcpro@rit.edu or calling 475-6546.