MLK celebration begins with annual Unity March Jan. 15
By Marlon W. Morgan
Western Carolina University’s Martin Luther King Jr. monthlong celebration will begin Monday, Jan. 15, with its annual Unity March.
Those looking to participate can attend a poster making session at 10 a.m. in the Hinds University Center multipurpose room. The march, which is sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, will begin at 11 a.m. at the fountain in the center of campus.
Other MLK events during the month include:
Monday, Jan. 22 – “Self-Care in Advocacy for Equity and Inclusion: Sustainable Models for Leaders.” This event will be hosted by Enrique Gomez, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. It will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the UC Theater.
“Civil Conversations Series: Social Equity” will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the UC Raleigh room. This is a civil dialogue event on the topic of social equity. Participants will have the opportunity to have a moderated conversation with others who may hold different points of view. It is hosted by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Tabling: “Women Behind the Movement,” hosted by Greek Student Engagement and Development, will take place at 11 a.m. near the fountain.
Tabling: Voter Registration, hosted by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fountain.
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – “Music Behind the Movement” will be hosted by WCU’s Inspirational Gospel Choir at 4:30 p.m. in the UC Theater.
Thursday, Jan. 25 – The Global Black Studies program, Inspirational Gospel Choir, the Black Student Union and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority will host “A Seat at the Table.” This will be a round table discussion led by student leaders on what it means for all voices to be heard and how to occupy space at the table. Student leaders will host a space where all students can have an open discussion about topics of equity, inclusion and leadership on the WCU campus. It will take place at 5 p.m. in the UC Cherokee room. Food will be provided.
Friday, Jan. 26 – Civic Engagement: Scotts Creek Community Cleanup. In partnership with the Jackson County NAACP and Liberty Baptist Church, the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning will host a MLK Day of Service from 2-4 p.m. Volunteers will participate in a Scott’s Creek area cleanup in a historic black neighborhood. Transportation will be provided.
Movie Night will take place in the UC Theater at 6 and 9 p.m., hosted by Last Minute Productions. The movie will be "Rustin."
For up-to-date information on MLK events, visit mlkjr.wcu.edu.
