KNOXVILLE — Paul Rusesabagina, the inspiration for Don Cheadle-s lead role in the movie Hotel Rwanda, will speak at the University of Tennessee on Monday, Jan. 16, in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
He will speak at 1 p.m. in the Carolyn P. Brown University Center Auditorium and the event is open to the public.
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Paul Rusesabagina
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Rusesabagina was the assistant general manager of the Mille Collines Hotel when the Rwandan genocide began. During the 100 days of genocide that followed, he saved the lives of more than 1,200 people by offering them shelter in his hotel.
Rusesabagina recently received the National Civil Rights Museum-s Freedom Award along with talk show host Oprah Winfrey and the Presidential Medal of Freedom award from President George W. Bush in November 2005.
Following his lecture, the Black Cultural Programming Committee will host a reception featuring the Love United Gospel Choir, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a book signing with Rusesabagina.
The UT Film Committee also will sponsor a viewing of Hotel Rwanda at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 in the University Center auditorium.
Students will also celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by participating in a day of service sponsored by TeamVOLS, a student service organization, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14. After a breakfast meeting in the University Center ballroom, students will volunteer at various local organizations including Goodwill Industries, IJAMS Nature Center, Ronald McDonald House and the YWCA.
For more information regarding Paul Rusesabagina-s lecture contact the Black Cultural Center at (865) 974-6861. For more information regarding the student day of service contact the TeamVOLS office at (865) 974-8481.
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Contact: Beth Gladden (865-974-9008)
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