Danny Glover to keynote Keeper of the Dream

Noted actor, producer and human rights activist Danny Glover has been chosen as the keynote speaker for the 17th annual Keeper of the Dream celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2009. 

Glover has received numerous awards for his film and television performances. As a producer, Glover’s highly acclaimed television productions include HBO’s America’s Dream series for Black History Month and the HBO-BBC movie "Deadly Voyage," based on a true story of eight African stowaways who were slaughtered on high seas by a Ukrainian freighter crew. His best known films include "Places in the Heart," "Witness," "Silverado," "The Color Purple," the "Lethal Weapon" series, "Mandela," "Bat-21," and "Grand Canyon."  

Deeply involved with the Vanguard Public Foundation based in San Francisco, an organization that strives to eradicate racism and promote civil rights, economic justices, gender equality and community empowerment, he also is the chairman of the board of TransAfrica Forum, the African-American lobbying organization on Africa and the Caribbean. Glover actively serves on the board of the Algebra Project, a math empowerment program developed by civil rights veteran Bob Moses.   

Internationally, Glover is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program, focusing on issues of poverty, disease and economic underdevelopment in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. In recognition of his lifetime dedication to public service, Glover was honored with the 2003 NAACP Chairman’s Award.  

Nominations for the 17th annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards are due to the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) by Friday, Oct. 10. Each year, the Keeper of the Dream Award pays tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. for his achievements on behalf of civil rights. The student scholarships honor undergraduate students who have contributed to his legacy of interracial understanding and good will.

Established in January 1993, the Keeper of the Dream awards provide scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting interracial understanding.  

The 2009 Keeper of the Dream awards will be presented at an award luncheon following Glover's address.  

Application packets for Keeper of the Dream scholarship awards can be obtained in the CMI offices or online. Applications should be returned to Bridget Green, CMI retention coordinator, 134 North Foundation Hall, by Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m.