Livin' the Dream part of MLK events

The Eigenmann Residence Center will host a series of programs called "Livin' the Dream" to commemorate the birthday and accomplishments of civil-rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr.\nThe festivities, which started Sunday and run through Monday, Jan. 15, are part of the celebration dubbed "Power of One: Making the Committee, Meeting the Challenge," according to the IU MLK Committee Web site.\nAn MLK quilt is on display until Jan. 15 in the Eigenmann Hall lobby. On Jan. 15 is the Eigenmann Day of Service, which consists of a diversity-education session, called the Unity Summit, and the Student MLK Brunch, which includes a discussion on "why MLK Day is a day on, not a day off." A soul-food dinner, a sampling of African-American food and culture, was held last Tuesday. \nCommunity educators and student employees Jason Autrey, Victoria Parry, Chirag Jatwani and Zach Elgar planned this year's activities for residents.\nElgar said the theme they chose captures essence of the civil-rights leader, noting that even though racial progression is evident, the status quo must improve.\n"This theme was selected because we feel it is very important to acknowledge that the goals that were laid out by Dr. King and fellow civil-rights leaders are yet to be achieved," he said. "We want our residents to understand that MLK Day is not only a day out of classes to commemorate a great leader, but perhaps more importantly to serve as a reminder that changes still need to be made."\nThe festivities have been in the making for more than a semester. Elgar said he and the other coordinators began brainstorming and planning the activities with Eigenmann resident assistants and management in October.\n"The events were chosen as the best recommendations of the brainstorming session by RA interest," Elgar said.\nElgar noted that between 40 and 50 students attended the first event last Sunday, "Expresso Yourself," an open-mike poetry show organized by Cool Beans Coffee Shop and the Eigenmann Community Council.\nHe said the soul-food dinner Thursday is expected have the biggest turnout of all -- about 200 people.\n"The final stages of planning are completed, and everything is set in place," he said. "We only need willing students with open minds to help make our programs successful."\nThe MLK events are targeted toward Eigenmann residents, but anyone can attend, Elgar said.\nFor more information on this year's MLK Day events around campus, visit www.indiana.edu/~mlkjr.