Livers’ presentation, volunteer opportunities headline MLK commemoration
Hanover College will commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15-19 with a collection of conversations and volunteer activities. The week-long series of activities will be highlighted by a presentation by Sue Wells Livers.
Livers, a local community leader, historian and storyteller, was influenced by a childhood interaction with King. She will lead a discussion about King’s legacy of voting rights, Thursday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. in Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts. The event is open to the public, free of charge.
Raised in nearby Madison, Ind., in the 1950s and ‘60s, Livers has been a pillar of the community for decades. Her award-winning service to the local area included 34 years as director of nutrition for King’s Daughters’ Hospital and 10 years as director of the hospital’s foundation.
Well-respected for her efforts through the hospital, Livers may be best known for her dedicated service to the community. Empathy and respect for her heritage and those who have experienced the same financial and cultural obstacles that she faced as a young person have been driving forces throughout her life.
Livers led the restoration of St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic Black church in Hanover, Ind., and anchored the Broadway School Alumni Scholarship. For years, she led seminars on the value of a healthy lifestyle and motivational strategies to overcome financial or societal handicaps. She also provided a pathway for many of her struggling employees to attain their General Educational Diploma (GED), acquire a driver’s license and even invest in a retirement plan.
Livers’ influence on the local community continues each year during Black History Month, when she informs and entertains by portraying Patsy Harris, a Madison resident who led many slaves to freedom in the 1800s. Performing as Harris, Livers dons period attire and vibrantly shares the story of slaves’ efforts to gain a life of freedom and prosperity.
In addition to Livers’ presentation, the commemoration of King’s life and legacy will also include a variety of volunteer opportunities on campus and in the local community. Area residents are encouraged to participate in all activities.
For information on Hanover’s MLK events, contact Constance Pope, associate director of multicultural affairs, at pope@hanover.edu.
MLK Commemoration Schedule of Events
Monday, Jan. 15
8 a.m.
Moment of silence to honor King
8 a.m.-noon (or noon-4 p.m.)
Jefferson County (Ind.) Animal Shelter
2727 Hannah Dr, Madison, IN 47250
Volunteers will be needed to help clean the animal kennels from 8 a.m.-noon. Help is needed walking, socializing and playing with the animals from noon-4 p.m.
8:30-11 a.m.
Jefferson County (Ind.) House of Hope
100 East Second Street, Suite H, Madison, IN 47250
Sorting food and preparing pantry
Noon-1 p.m.
Hanover College Free Store
Lynn Hall, Hanover College Campus
Organize and restock shelves
1-5 p.m.
Muhammad Ali Center
144 North 6th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Volunteer drivers needed
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Ali Center will be open free to the public. The Center will show the “I Have a Dream” speech at the top of each hour.
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Noon-1 p.m.
Voter Registration Table
Main lobby, J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Assist with voter registration
4-6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County
551 M.S.H. Northgate Road, Madison, IN 47250
Read short multicultural stories to children of various age groups. The readings will celebrate diversity and help children to think about, value and respect our differences.
Wednesday, Jan. 17
1-3 p.m.
Open House – Haq Multicultural Center
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Open house to learn about the Haq Multicultural Center
4-5:30 p.m.
La Casa Amiga
Eggleston Community Building, 419 East Street, Madison, IN 47250
Help local Spanish-speaking children with reading, math and writing skills.
Transportation is available via the Madison Shuttle.
5:30-8 p.m.
Muhammad Ali Center
144 North 6th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Volunteer drivers needed
Pack 40,000 meals to distribute in local area
Thursday, Jan. 18
7 p.m.
Sue Wells Livers, King’s legacy of voting rights
Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts, Hanover College Campus
Local historian Sue Livers will discuss Civil Rights from an historical perspective and its significance for the present-day racial justice movement.
Friday, Jan. 19
Noon-1 p.m.
Meditation on King’s principles of nonviolence
Haq Multicultural Center, J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Rev. Catherine Knott, Ph.D., Ball Family Chaplain, will lead a guided meditation reflecting on King’s principles of nonviolence. King’s wisdom guides us today as we navigate our personal and collective commitments to peace-making and justice work.
2-5 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity build day
931 Lanier Drive, Madison, IN 47250
Help construct new home for local single mother
