Focus on the civil rights movement's leadership, hear a keynote address by a noted author, view part of an award-winning film series and more at the Saturday, Sept. 22, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium at Anne Arundel Community College.

             The free college event offers new insights into the movement as well as greater knowledge of Dr. King's accomplishments. The half-day program opens at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast at the Pascal Center for Performing Arts on the Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway.

            The event begins with viewing of the Selma segment of the award-winning TV series "Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Movement 1954-1985." The first six programs premiered nationally in 1987 via the Public Broadcasting Service. "Eyes on the Prize 2: America at the Racial Crossroads (1965-1985), followed in 1990.

            The series documents the movement on a grassroots level, using archival footage and modern-day interviews with participants in the struggle for and against civil rights. "Eyes on the Prize" won six Emmys, earned an Academy Award nomination and other honors such as the George Foster Peabody Award and the duPont-Columbia award for excellence in broadcast journalism.

            A prolific author on the civil rights movement, Cynthia Griggs Fleming is delivering a keynote address entitled, "I've Been to the Mountaintop: Civil Rights Movement Leadership and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." Fleming wrote "In the Shadow of Selma: The Continuing Struggle for Civil Rights in the Rural South" and "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson."

            She is an associate professor of history at the University of Tennessee. An audience question-and-answer period follows, moderated by Lester Brooks, Ph.D. AACC professor of history. During a 15-minute break, the audience can meet Fleming and get signed copies of her works.

            The program wraps up with entertainment featuring a performance by the Asbury United Methodist Church Choir, poetry and remarks by AACC students. Those interested can join a 12:30 p.m. tour and presentation on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on campus.

            For event information, call 410-777-7095. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request special accommodations.