MEDIA ADVISORY

UAF's Office of Multicultural Affairs students and staff are sponsoring a program promoting Alaska Civil Rights Day on Monday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. in the Wood Center Ballroom. The program will feature guest speaker and journalist Brenda Payton, who currently writes a column for The Oakland Tribune. Payton will discuss recent developments, both positive and negative, in civil rights on a national scale. Several student organizations will perform as part of the program. Alaska Native dancers will be featured, as well as a skit by members of the UAF Black Awareness Student Union and performances by UAF music department students.

Alaska Civil Rights Day was established by the University Alaska Board of Regents in 1994 to honor Martin Luther King Jr., Alaska Native leaders and organizations, and other Alaskans who have led civil rights initiatives benefiting all Alaskans. Classes will not be held Monday in honor of Alaska Civil Rights Day, but university offices will be open for business, including late registration and fee payment. UAF staff and faculty are encouraged to attend Monday's program at Wood Center.

The Alaska Civil Rights Day planning committee includes the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the office of the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity, Rural Student Services and UAF Student Activities.

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CONTACT: UAF Office of Multicultural Affairs Coordinator Pamela D. Anthony (907) 474-7300.