Cornell College groups have multiple events planned to honor Martin Luther King Jr. during the week of Jan. 16.
- MLK Day Teach-In: Held from 1:15-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 in the Thomas Commons, this event focuses on forging a stronger Cornell community by honoring King’s legacy and discussing ways to break cycles of bigotry. It will consist of videos, discussion, brief writing activities, and breakout sessions on topics such as bystander intervention training, unconscious bias, mass incarceration, and how to unpack the “invisible backpack” of unearned privilege.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Vigil: [EDIT] Due to weather, this event will only take place in Allee Chapel on the Cornell College campus. There will be no walking vigil. The vigil starts at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16. Spiritual Life student leaders and the chaplain will invite reflection on how the vision of the Rev. Dr. King
and other civil rights leaders gives insight into contemporary realities, social change, and hope for the future. The event includes prayers and candle lighting for people and places in need of solidarity and healing.
- MLK service opportunity working with immigrants: Help immigrants navigate the complicated legal route to citizenship through JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS. Volunteers leave with Director for Civic Engagement Katie Wilson from Thomas Circle outside of Thomas Commons at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 for Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, returning at approximately 7 p.m. After sharing a meal with clients, volunteers help them fill out forms to assist their time with the immigration attorney. There is no language requirement. Contact Katie if you have questions. No RSVP is needed.
- Free movie showing of “Higher Learning”: The Office of Intercultural Life will have a free movie showing of “Higher Learning” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 in Hedges Room of the Thomas Commons. The 1995 drama, written and directed by John Singleton, follows the changing lives of three incoming students at the fictional Columbus University and discusses many topics that today’s college students and society face, including racism, homosexuality, and identity. This event is open to all Mount Vernon and Lisbon community members and the Cornell College community. A short discussion follows.
- Marathon Read of Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail”: The office of Intercultural Life hosts a marathon reading of Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail” beginning at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, on the Orange Carpet in the Thomas Commons. Come out for the entire letter or come hear just your favorite part read by faculty, staff, and students.
- Showing of PBS documentary series “Black America since MLK: Still I Rise Part 1″: The Office of Intercultural Life will show part 1 of the 2 part series at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in Hedges Room of the Thomas Commons. The series takes a look at the last five decades of African-American history since the major civil rights victories through the eyes of Henry Louis Gates Jr., exploring the tremendous gains and persistent challenges of these years.
