A Week to Remember the Reverend King

 The week of Jan.16 was noteworthy. It was the first week of second semester classes, a time to reunite with friends after a long break and get back into the routine of school. It was also Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Week. Events were held throughout the week, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services as well as Campus Ministries. 

 The goal of the week's festivities was to remember and honor the work of Dr. King. They aimed to involve students in continuing the Reverend's work within the Lincoln community. Wesleyan students were encouraged to attend the Youth March and Rally held on Monday at the UNL Student Union Building. The march was sponsored by the Malone Community Center, a strong advocate for diversity in Lincoln communities. Those involved in the rally gathered at the Student Union to march to the State Capitol early Monday morning. The event concluded with a program honoring Dr. King.

 On Thursday, an event entitled "Eat, Pray, Dream: A Worship Service in Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." was held. It took place in the Sunflower Room from 12:15 until 2 pm. A free lunch was available to those in attendance. An associate pastor from the Lincoln City Church, Reverend Solo Mwania, was the guest speaker.

 Thursday night, a community panel discussion was held in Callen Conference Center. The topic of the discussion was "Acceptance vs. Tolerance: Building Community in Higher Education." Several Wesleyan professors appeared on the panel: Patty Hawk, Communication Studies professor and Jennifer Lorenzen, an Education professor. Senior student Alexandra Hartman and UNL Sociology professor Miguel Ceballos also contributed to the panel discussion.

Although Dr. King's birthday was Jan. 15, many Wesleyan students continued to celebrate his achievements throughout the week. The events proved significant in highlighting the social justice work that has already been accomplished, and the work that is yet to be done.