What: Seton Hill University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Task Force has scheduled, “Let Freedom Ring,” an educational program in commemoration of Dr. King’s birthday, featuring keynote speaker, Rev. Sèkinah Hamlin, Director of the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative (EPI). This event, which is open to the Seton Hill community only, is being held in February as Seton Hill’s spring semester did not begin until after Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

When: Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 11:10 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.

Where: Cecilian Hall, second floor of the Administration Building.

Who: Keynote speaker Rev. Sèkinah Hamlin serves as Director of the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative (EPI), a ministry that organizes Christians of diverse traditions to end poverty in the United States, especially among children. Previously a project of the National Council of Churches, EPI is now an ecumenical ministry of the Disciples Center for Public Witness and is based in Washington, D.C. Rev. Hamlin is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is a pastor, preacher and community organizer with a long history of commitment to racial and economic justice.

A native of Charlotte, N.C. and a current resident of Greensburg, Pa., Rev. Hamlin's career in ministry has included service as Minister of Anti-Racism and Pro-Reconciliation for the Southeast Regional Fellowship (SERF) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Pastor/Developer of the Messiah Community Christian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Campus Minister for Saint James Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, N.C. Just prior to accepting the call to be EPI's director, Rev. Hamlin was Interim Pastor of the Oak Hills Christian Church in Butler, Pa.

In the Greater Pittsburgh Community, Rev. Hamlin is Social Action Co-Chair of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is a Diamond Life Member of the sorority. In addition, she is a member of the Greensburg-Jeannette NAACP Branch, where she serves on its Strategic Planning Committee. She is married to Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Regional Minister and President of the Pennsylvania Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Background: Rev. Hamlin’s discussion will center around Dr. King’s mission-minded commitment to civil rights with an emphasis on his work on economic justice. It will also delve into where America is today on these issues. Students, faculty and staff in attendance will also discuss issues of diversity and culture on Seton Hill’s campus.

Through this speech and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of the roots of the Civil Rights struggle, learn tolerance and awareness of other cultures, and better understand and appreciate the significance of Dr. King’s message and impact on our world. Students will also share ways they might become agents of change in supporting civil and human rights and dignity for all.

Seton Hill Theatre and Dance students will also present a short program of dance, music and movement theatre on the themes of oppression and liberation.