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Understanding the relations that unite us and tearing down the barriers that separate us is crucial to maintaining Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality in America. That was the message Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University, told those gathered at Whitley Auditorium Jan. 13 as part of �鶹��Ƶ’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program.

Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, will be the keynote speaker on Jan. 13 at �鶹��Ƶ’s annual MLK Jr. Commemorative Program, which honors the life of the slain civil rights leader. The Whitley Auditorium program, which was moved from Wednesday to Thursday due to inclement weather, begins at noon and is open to the public at no cost.

The Multicultural Center will host its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events that run Jan. 11-17, 2011. The events commemorate the spirit of diversity and honor the sacrifices and current work of many for inclusion and equality.

An �鶹��Ƶ junior has been named the District Outstanding Brother of the Year for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., an annual competition that judges nominees on criteria that include involvement in the organization, academic standing, campus involvement and leadership.

A renowned expert on education psychology and diversity in higher education visited �鶹��Ƶ on Nov. 22 and led a lunchtime discussion with dozens of faculty and staff members on the impact of interactions between professors and students, notably among various demographic groups.

International Education Week returns to �鶹��Ƶ this month with a series of events that run from Nov. 15-19, 2010, and include concerts, a special College Coffee and a panel discussion on NAFTA. The annual national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education this year focuses on Mexico, its people and its influence on American culture, politics and economy.

The Students Mentoring Rising Talent (S.M.A.R.T.) Mentoring Program hosted its first S.M.A.R.T. Night on Friday, November 12. The event, “Career and Professional Development,” was co-sponsored by Multicultural Affairs and Career Services.

Prudence Layne, an assistant professor of English and coordinator of African/African-American Studies at �鶹��Ƶ, was one of 10 national directors of Black Studies programs selected to participate in a Summer Administrative Workshop sponsored by the National Council for Black Studies and the Ford Foundation.