Actors to read works of Martin Luther King

Connaissance will tie its spring lecture into the series of events planned for Black History Month. As part of campus-wide celebrations of Black History Month, Connaissance has invited actors Danny Glover and Felix Justice to campus for a February 4 address. The program, which is free and open to all students, will be held in Irvine Auditorium. The actors will present theatrical readings of the works of Langston Hughes and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of a tour entitled "An Evening with Langston and Martin," according to Connaissance Co-Director Ellie Haller, a College junior. Although Connaissance leaders characterized their most recent speakers -- sportscaster Dick Vitale, singer Billy Joel and director Oliver Stone -- as "entertainment" and "inspirational" speakers, they hope to take a more serious turn with their spring speakers. "We figure this program will give our group more purpose," Haller said. "These speakers are famous, serious and meaningful." Glover starred in such films as The Color Purple, Grand Canyon and the Lethal Weapon series. And Justice has acted and directed for 29 years -- highlighted by a widely acclaimed one-man show about King. The two actors, who met while struggling with their careers in the San Francisco Bay area several years ago, have a long history of friendship and mutual respect, Haller said. Connaissance leaders say they plan to work with the Bicultural InterGreek Council, the Black Student League and the African American department to organize and publicize the event. "Hopefully we will all work together in order to utilize this project," Haller said. "We want Black History Month to be special this year." Connaissance Co-Director and College sophomore Carter Caldwell said he is excited to see two of the most notable and versatile African American actors of recent generations perform the works of two influential, accomplished and prolific African American figures. "Hearing how Langston Hughes and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted the life of Felix Justice will be an extraordinary experience," Caldwell said. "I am sincerely looking forward to the entire event. "I think that it's a great day for this University when a show like Danny Glover and Felix Justice's, which has toured the United States and Africa, comes to this campus," he added. Connaissance leaders plan to work with other University groups to co-sponsor additional speakers later in the semester.

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