Martin Luther King Jr., one of the first great civil rights leaders to employ civil disobedience in the quest for racial equality, embodied an entire movement during the 1960s.

His life’s work was tragically cut short when he was assassinated at the age of 39 in 1968. But his message of racial harmony still strikes a chord, even with those who are not old enough to recall his “I Have a Dream” speech.

MLK Jr. Celebration Chairwoman Lenola Allen-Sommerville hopes this year’s events will not only celebrate King’s dream, but keep his message alive.

“Well, I think after 30 years of celebrating, we should make certain that we get something about Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy, about his overall goal,” Allen-Sommerville said.

Although King’s dream has not been fully achieved, she said part of the purpose of King’s celebration is “to work with others to achieve those goals. We’re working towards that.

“I truly have hopes that one day King’s dream will be actualized,” she said.

On Thursday, in honor of what would have been his 69th birthday, Iowa State and the City of Ames will kick off a celebration of King’s life and accomplishments.

The celebration will continue until Jan. 27, after Monday’s national holiday honoring King. All university offices will be closed and no classes will be in session on Monday.

The first event in the King celebration will be a “a city-wide inter-faith service,” titled “Keeping the Dream on Track.” The service will be held at the city auditorium in the Ames City Hall on Thursday at 7 p.m.

On Friday, a “Musical Extravaganza” will be held at noon in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

ISU President Martin Jischke and Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs, will make opening remarks about the influence and legacy of King.

Allen-Sommerville said the “Musical Extravaganza” is appropriate, considering King’s love of gospel. She said she hopes the audience “will join in singing and enjoy.”

The Big 8 Gospel Singers, Dance Ministry of Praise and others will also perform in what is billed as “a musical tribute to Dr. King.” There will be a reception following the performances, with cake provided by the Memorial Union.

The “Ames Community Sing With the Urban Bush Women” is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19. The performance will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave.

The Urban Bush Women, a group of African-American artists, will join the audience for a slice of birthday cake after their concert.

“The Big 8 Gospel Group’s [music] is just beautiful. Everyone really enjoyed it, and we’re looking forward to their repeat performance,” said Pat Miller, director of the ISU Lectures Program.

“Let Freedom Ring,” the annual carillon concert, will take place Tuesday, Jan. 20, on central campus. Carilloneur Tin-Shi Tam will perform at 11:50 a.m.

Allen-Sommerville said she is thrilled because Tam incorporates African-American music as part of her performance.

“Hearing Negro spirituals and hymns is a joy across the campus,” Allen-Sommerville said. She said seeing the performance will be worthwhile, despite the cold.

“The music will certainly warm us up,” she said.

Patricia Russell-McCloud, president of The Links, Inc., a national community service organization, will deliver the keynote address for the King celebration. Titled “Where Do We Go From Here?” Russell-McCloud’s speech will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

“She is a remarkable and inspirational speaker,” Miller said. “I saw her get a standing ovation from 3,000 suits at nine in the morning.”

Allen-Sommerville agreed.

“I know that Patricia Russell-McCloud will be able to challenge us,” she said.

Though it was largely overlooked by moviegoers when it was released in theaters, “Rosewood” was one of the most critically-acclaimed films of last year.

“Rosewood” is the true story of a small Florida town that was ripped apart by racial disputes in 1923.

The film was directed by John Singleton, the Oscar-nominated director of “Boyz in ‘Da Hood,'” and it will be shown at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the Pioneer Room of the Union.

Acknowledging the film’s controversial nature, Miller said it was scheduled for the King celebration in hopes it “would lead to a great deal of discussion.”

All the events during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebrations are free and open to the public.