Valparaiso University Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Celebration
Schedule of events begins Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016
Valparaiso University continues its tradition of honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. with its 26th annual celebration. This year’s celebration will span two weeks, Jan. 9–22.
The 2016 event’s theme is “Facing the Challenge of Change.” Through lectures, interactive discussions and presentations, displays and activities, focus will be on answering the question “Where do we go from here?” with emphasis on poverty, race and violence.
Events include:
- Artistic works by Northwest Indiana students on display in the Harre Union Atrium, Jan. 9–22. A reception and awards ceremony will be held in the Harre Union Ballroom on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5– 6:30 p.m.
- Community Conversations exploring Martin Luther King’s book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” throughout Valparaiso on Friday, Jan. 15, noon – 1 p.m. Visit valpo.edu/mlk/community-conversations for a complete list of venues and to register.
- Screening of the film “Selma,” depicting the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in the Harre Union Ballrooms on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2–5 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Convocation Service at the Chapel of the Resurrection on Monday Jan. 18, 10 – 11 a.m. celebrating the vision and work of Martin Luther King Jr. with keynote speaker Freeman A. Hrabowksi, III, civil rights leader and chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. During the service, the Valparaiso University Martin Luther King Jr. Award will be presented to Charles Schaefer, Ph.D., professor and chair of the international studies department.
- A luncheon entitled “What Fueled the Movement: Food and Faith” in the Harre Union Ballrooms on Monday, Jan. 18, at 11:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 for faculty, staff, and community and $10 for students and can be purchased at the Union Welcome Desk or online at valpo.edu/union for will-call pickup.
- Focus Sessions centered around the themes of poverty, race, and violence. These sessions will explore our current reality, the path that led us here, and delve into ways of moving forward to affect positive change in the world. Visit valpo.edu/mlk/sessions for more information.
- A closing ceremony featuring a three panel discussion on “Where Do We Go from Here?” on Monday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Christopher Center Community Room. The ceremony will conclude with the induction of the “I WILL” social justice pledge into the Valparaiso Martin Luther King Jr. Day legacy. Following the closing, a silent candlelight vigil will be held in the Chapel at 5:30 p.m.
The Law School will also host events at Wesemann Hall. The annual “Talk to a Lawyer Today” event is Monday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The MLK Mock Trial event — focusing on the topic “Fraternity Hazing or Discrimination?” — is Friday Jan. 22, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
For additional information, visit valpo.edu/mlk.
