A diverse crowd of Ohio University students and Athens residents had an opportunity last night to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in a unique way.
Casa Nueva and Cantina, 4 W. State St., debuted Civil Rights Movement Celebration
with a mix of southern cooked specialties, poetry readings and DJs spinning music interlaced with Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speeches.
Alzenira Zen Glick, marketing and events coordinator for Casa Cantina, started a similar tradition five years ago in Washington state. Glick moved to Athens last year and decided to organize a similar event. She had a private dinner at her house, but she wanted to make it public this year.
The struggle is still going on in this country said Glick, who calls herself African and South American. We are still faced with intense civil rights issues.
Black and white photos chronicling civil rights events - usually hanging in Glick's home - were on display during the event.
Nicole Iker, food and human resource coordinator, attended the private dinner last year.
It's important for Casa to have this open to the public she said. (Casa) - as this hub - has an opportunity to educate the community by embracing Martin Luther King Jr. with this event.
During the dinner hours of 5 to 9, a $10 special was served as an option in the restaurant.
Hip-hop artist Darrell Greene, also known as Jesty Beatz, while enjoying the food special, talked about his excitement to perform for the MLK Day event.
The special is bumping
I'm working for the food
he said. This is a good cause to remember a great man. Hopefully we can do continue to meet and do this.
After the kitchen closed, Jesty Beatz, with an iPod shuffle draping from his neck, enthusiastically performed to the responsive crowd.
DJ Barticus and Ki'en Crew provided further late night entertainment, which was scheduled until 2 a.m.
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Kenny Miles
