Join Us for Let Freedom Ring and Expressions of King’s Legacy | January 2025
Two of your RIT co-workers will be featured at this year’s Let Freedom Ring program Monday, January 20th. Dr. Irshad Altheimer, Ellen M. Granberg Endowed Professor, professor of criminal justice and the director of the Center for Public Safety Initiatives will deliver the keynote address and delivering a musical performance will be Angela Nkugwa & Friends. Nkugwa is a strategic sourcing specialist IV, Procurement Services in Finance and Administration and also a talented pianist.
Let Freedom Ring is held to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nkugwa will lead her musical ensemble with violinist Christopher Holmes, bassist John Demott, renowned jazz musician Tony Hiler, and singer-songwriter Deanna Dudley in a series of songs that celebrate freedom, unity, and the spirit of hope.
Let Freedom Ring is from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in Ingle Auditorium. A reception, with food prepared by RIT Catering will follow immediately in two spots; Fireside Lounge and the 1829 Room. You can also view a documentary beginning at noon in MOSAIC featuring Dorothy Cotton, one of the many women who worked behind the scenes with Dr. King. This is an RIT only event.
Later this month, Wednesday, January 29th, you’re in for a treat with the 43rd Annual Expressions of King’s Legacy program. Delivering the keynote address will be Deborah Archer, the eighth president and first woman of color to lead the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In addition, the internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance Company will perform. It’s all taking place from noon until 2pm at RIT Gordon Field House and Activities Center. The program is open to the Rochester community with the goal of bringing people together to reflect on the life and legacy of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Archer is the first woman of color to lead the ACLU, the 105-year-old civil rights organization. She is also Professor of Clinical Law at the New York University School of Law and Faculty Director of the Law School’s Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law. She will take questions after her address. You can submit a question when you register.
Garth Fagan founded the company that bears his name in 1970. While based in Rochester, his dancers have toured the world sharing what is known as “the Fagan Technique.” He has won numerous awards including the Tony Award for his work as choreographer of the Broadway hit, The Lion King and this past May, he received an honorary degree from RIT.