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Wayne State College Invites Public to Celebrate MLK Jr.'s Legacy

Published Thursday, January 9th, 2020

Martin Luther King Jr.

Service activities and discussions in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. are free for the public to attend Jan. 15-22 at Wayne State College.

The public is invited to take part in activities Jan. 15-22 at Wayne State College in observation of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. There is no admission charge for any of the activities.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Thursday, Jan. 16

Tie Blankets
Multicultural Center Lounge, Kanter Student Center Room 11
The blankets will be donated to Haven House and local hospitals. Professional staff and Service-Learning staff members Kara Woehler and Lisa Nelson will lead the activity. The room will be open from 8 a.m. until the building is closed in the evening at approximately 9 p.m. Anyone may stop in anytime and tie blankets.

Monday, Jan. 20

Instructional Activities on MLK Jr.'s Role and Influence in the Civil Rights Movement
Sponsored by the Department of History, Politics, and Geography, Phi Alpha Theta, and Phi Gamma Mu

Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of these events and join in the discussions. These events will be held in CH 131. Handouts of the pertinent documents will be provided.

10 a.m. The Segregated America Dr. King Was Born Into
To begin the day’s events commemorating Dr. King, this presentation will examine the reality of life for people of color in the United States before the Civil Rights Movement.

11 a.m. The Life and Achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King
This 50-minute presentation will detail Dr. King’s education, marriage, and career before delving into the significant events of the Civil Rights Movement which he participated in and will forever be remembered for.

1 p.m. The Philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King
This 25-minute presentation includes background to Dr. King’s growing commitment to Non-Violent Civil Disobedience and a reading of his letter in his own voice, followed by a 25-minute discussion of the letter’s meaning and relevance by the participants.

2 p.m. Documentary Movie of Dr. King’s Speeches Throughout His Life
This 1-hour-and-45-minute movie was produced by the King Center in Atlanta and contains many of his famous speeches as well as many of his lesser known address, given in his own voice in newsreels made at the time of their delivery.

The Story of Me/Us: Stories of Diversity and Inclusion
3:30-5 p.m.
Gardner Auditorium 

In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, panelists will share their stories and entertain questions to promote mutual understanding and friendships. The event is sponsored by the President’s Council for Diversity, Student Activities Board (SAB), and multicultural and international programs. Moderators will be Dr. Barbara Engebretsen and Isaiah Sims. Panelists include Becky Zavada, CD Douglas, Endia Casey-Agoumba, and Jeremiah Woods; President’s Council on Diversity; SAB; and Multicultural and International Programs.

Zavada is a professor of philosophy and English at Wayne State College and co-chair of the President’s Council for Diversity. She has lived in many places in the U.S. and in South Africa. 

Casey-Agoumba is a native of Cross, S.C. She is a novelist and former WSC instructor as well as former chair of the President’s Council for Diversity.

Douglas serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at WSC. Before joining WSC, he was the senior director for student support services and multicultural affairs at South Dakota State University. 

Woods of Omaha, Neb., is a WSC senior with a major in speech communications/organizational leadership and public relations. He is a representative for the student activities board on student senate and treasurer for the Black Student Association. 

Round Table Conversations - Pizza Social 
5-6:30 p.m.
Gardner Auditorium 
The event is hosted by the President’s Council on Diversity, SAB, and Multicultural and International Programs.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

The Story of Me/Us: Stories of Diversity and Inclusion - Dr. Becky Zavada 
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Gardner Auditorium 
Zavada will share her experiences of growing up in apartheid South Africa and the American south. She will also discuss her family’s story of immigration and assimilation. The event is sponsored by the President’s Council for Diversity, SAB, and Multicultural and International Programs. 

Wednesday, Jan. 22

March to the Majestic - Movie: “Dear White People” a satire film by Justin Simien 
7 p.m. - Majestic Theatre
Free showing. Board the bus at 6 p.m., Kanter Student Center (northwest entrance). The event is sponsored by the President’s Council on Diversity, SAB, and Multicultural and International Programs.

For more information, please contact the Multicultural Center at 402-375-7749