In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Willamette University presents author and historian Dr. Manning Marable and the Harlem Gospel Choir Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. in Smith Auditorium.

Tickets for the general public are $5 and go on sale Jan. 6 at the Information Center in University Center. The Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For ticket availability, call 503-370-6300.

Marable is a professor of history and political science at Columbia University. He is considered one of the most influential historians and political interpreters of the Black experience in America. The author and editor of nearly 20 books and anthologies, he is frequently featured in the national and international media as an expert on the history and politics of race in America.

In 1986, while attending the first national celebration in honor of Dr. King, Allen Bailey had the idea to create the Harlem Gospel Choir. The choir has performed around the world with such notables as U2, Sir Paul McCartney, The Chieftains and Diana Ross. The theme of every performance is "bringing people and nations together and giving something back."

The Willamette University Office of Multicultural Affairs coordinates the January 24th event. For more information, call 503-370-6265.