USC will commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a number of planned events beginning Jan. 14.
This year’s program will mark the 22nd consecutive year the University has held a formal program to pay tribute to the late civil rights leader.

"The University of South Carolina's celebration is among the state's largest organized MLK celebration and annually attracts several thousand persons to the campus to observe and commemorate the life and legacy of this great American," said Bobby Gist, chair of the University's MLK Committee and executive assistant to the president for Equal Opportunity Programs. "The MLK Celebration on the USC campus is strongly supported by the entire USC community and is spearheaded by the support of the President's Office, the Office of the Provost, and the President of the Student Government Association."

Turner

Turner received his commission June 2, 1976, through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at S.C. State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Shippenburg University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College.

Sponsors of the breakfast include the University in cooperation with the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee; the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management; the USC Athletics Department; and the USC Student Government Association.

The University will continue its celebration Jan. 17 with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service sponsored by USC's Office of Community Services and the Department of Student Life.

Service Day activities will begin with registration, breakfast, and a brief rally from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Russell House. Faculty, staff, and students will participate in Service Day activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteering their time to community service organizations in the greater Columbia community. Sponsors are USC’s Office of Community Services and the Department of Student Life.

At 3 p.m. Jan. 17, the USC Black Law Students Association will sponsor a program at the USC Law School auditorium. A reception will follow the program.

The annual MLK Gospel Unity Fest will honor King's life and legacy at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Koger Center. Nationally known gospel artists Doc McKenzie and The Gospel Hi-Lites will be this year's featured performers. The Lake City gospel group has won nine American Gospel Quartet Convention awards, including Quartet of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Several local and USC-based gospel groups also will perform. The Rev. Ronnie E. Brailsford of the Bethel AME Church will be the guest speaker. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at the Carolina Coliseum Box Office; the cost is $6. Net proceeds from ticket sales will be used to support the I. DeQuincy Newman Institute for Peace and Social Change.

The Unity Fest is sponsored by the University in cooperation with the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee; the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management; the USC Athletics Department; the USC Student Government Association; and the Black Faculty and Staff Association.

For more information, call the USC Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at 7-3854.

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