(February 4, 2014)

Centenary's 6th annual Dream Week biggest yet

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College's 6th annual Dream Week drew the participation of students, faculty, staff, and members of the community such as Mayor Glover during the weeklong celebration of the legacy and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The week kicked off with a day of service co-sponsored by Centenary Diversity Committee and the Office of Global Engagement.

"In just six years we've gone from one site with 50 participants to nine sites with almost 300," said Chris Lavan, Director of Global Engagement.

The sites in the Shreveport community gave volunteers the opportunity to lend a hand to various projects including organizing food pantries, planting vegetables in community gardens, packing boxes for food bank clients, cleaning facilities, and decorating tote bags for students.

The remainder of Centenary's Dream Week incorporated messages addressing topics of race, society, history, and civil rights.

"Professor Emeritus Dr. Lee Morgan spoke about his experiences with supporting the integration of the College, our College archivist collaborated with us to create a formative historical exhibit on some of Centenary's African American history, and alumna Sherricka Fields '05 spoke about the impact of Dr. King's life and legacy on young leaders today," said Lavan.

Centenary collaborated with the Robinson Film Center and Louisiana State University-Shreveport to screen films and the City of Shreveport and Mahogany Ensemble Theatre, founded by Angelique Feaster Evans '95, to present an oratory contest. Students winning honors for their oratory include (1) Chris Andrews of Caddo Heights Elementary, (2) Sachiri Henderson of Shreve Island Elementary, and (3) Omiyaye Alexander of Werner Park Elementary in the Primary Division. Junior Division winners were (1) Ceara Johnson of Caddo Middle Magnet, (2) Psalm Lewis of Broadmoor Laboratory School, and (3) Amaya Pratt of Youree Drive Middle School.