Peace, justice and healing will be at the heart of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week at Highline.
The college’s annual celebration of the work of the late civil rights leader will be Jan. 18-21 with virtual events Tuesday through Thursday.
One of the reasons why the MLK week-long celebration is so successful “is because there’s a ton of planning that takes place to make this event happen, the committee works tirelessly,” said Dr. Darryl Brice, a Highline sociology professor and one of the event’s organizers.
This year’s theme is “Reclaim & Reimagine: Grounded in an Era of Transformation,” which is about connecting the past with the present, Dr. Brice said.
“The committee felt it was important to acknowledge and learn from struggles and accomplishments of past social movements while thinking about how this current moment in history presents us with opportunities to change present oppressive conditions,” he said.
Dr. Brice said that it’s important for people to be reminded of Dr. King’s work.
“Everyone should come to these events,” Dr. Brice said. “The curriculum in many schools lacks historical diversity, and Dr. King’s legacy continues to be erased. These events give people the opportunity to listen and learn from Dr. King’s legacy.”
Events for the week will include:
Seattle-based performer Neve Mazique will deliver the week’s keynote address on “Making Peace with the Reverend Doctor, and other complicated revolutionaries in this Life and the Next,” at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
You can join this presentation via Zoom at https://highline.zoom.us/j/86276797386?pwd=cjBHV3A3QnNURDV2Q1ZFbmpxblRBZz09#success
Education advocate and consultant Dr. Angel Acosta will speak on “Embodying the Beloved Community Through Healing Centered-Education,” at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan.19.
Seattle social equity consultant, educator, and advocate ChrisTiana ObeySumner will talk on “The Promised Land is Accessible: Dr. MLK Jr.’s Lessons for Achieving Disability Justice” on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 12:15 p.m.
You can join this presentation via Zoom at https://highline.zoom.us/j/82926974425?pwd=L3FZRDZHR2d2Vjh6L1BZdlR5Vm9xdz09#success
You can join this presentation via Zoom at https://highline.zoom.us/j/86109916394?pwd=cUJacHhxOWdockZXZTFVL1A4ODhKQT09#success
The MLK committee will facilitate a film and discussion of HBO’s King in the Wilderness this week at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21. This film follows Dr. King through the last 18 months of his life, exploring the challenges he faced at the time.
The Zoom Link for this event will be available on https://ccie.highline.edu/programs/mlk-week/