Cornell College plans MLK Week 2023 events

The Cornell College Intercultural Life Office (ICL) has events planned for MLK week, starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16, and lasting through Friday, Jan. 20.

All events are open to the Cornell community and members of the public.

Events for MLK Week 2023:

Monday, Jan. 16 

• MLK Day of Service, Orange Carpet, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Join the Cornell College Office of Civic Engagement and ICL in commemorating the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through sewing and stuffing heart pillows for the cardiac surgery patients of UI Hospitals.

• MLK Vigil, Thomas Commons Lobby, 5:15–6 p.m.

Join ICL and the Office of Spiritual Life in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. The vigil will begin in the Thomas Commons and end at Allee Chapel, led by The Rev. Melea White.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 

• MLK In Our Own Words Spoken Word Event, Zamora’s, 5–6:30 p.m.

Join ICL, Lyrically Inclined, and Heather ‘Byrd’ Roberts ’09 for a special night of spoken word poetry inspired by the legacy of Dr. King. Open mic opportunities will also be available. Please email interculutral_life@cornellcollege.edu to RSVP for an open mic slot as space is limited.

Thursday, Jan. 19: 

• MLK Week: Civil Rights Walk-Through Symposium, Orange Carpet, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join ICL in this self-directed walk-through symposium on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement and considerations for civil rights in our own campus and everyday lives. This event is open to the Cornell College community and the greater local community.

Friday, Jan. 20:

• Soul Food Dinner, Hall-Perrine in the Thomas Commons, 6–8 p.m.

Join ICL at Stoner House for a discussion about soul food and grab a plate of your own food-to-go following the conversation. Please RSVP by Wed. Jan. 18.