University events honor King’s life and legacy

In celebration of the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University presents “Penn’s Commitment to the Legacy: Meeting the Challenges of a Diverse Democracy.” Featured are numerous community service opportunities, discussions and lectures, which run from Jan. 17 through the 28th. Some of the events are listed below; for a complete list and the latest information on the MLK events visit the African-American Resource Center web site: www.upenn.edu/aarc/mlk.

Monday, Jan. 17

DAY OF SERVICE BREAKFAST: Free continental breakfast, inspiring words by Law Professor Anita L. Allen-Castellitto and remarks by President Amy Gutmann. 9 a.m., Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St.
SCHOOL SPRUCE-UP PROJECT for West Philadelphia High School. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers in need of transportation meet at 3417 Spruce St.

CHILDREN’S BANNER PAINTING SERVICE PROJECT: Children of all ages can paint commemorative banners. 10 a.m. to 2p.m., The ARCH Auditorium, 3601 Locust Walk.

HELPING HANDS AT HOUSTON HALL: Create gifts to be donated to area shelters, nursing homes and other charities. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall.

PHILADELPHIA READS LITERACY PROJECT: Create books on tape to promote literacy for Philadelphia’s youth. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ben Franklin Room, Houston Hall.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy. 7 p.m. at Du Bois College House, 3900 Walnut St., and Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.

Tuesday, Jan. 18

FEED THE HUNGRY at the University City Hospitality Coalition soup kitchen. 5 to 7 p.m., 4601 Market St.

Wednesday, Jan. 19

“THOSE WHO FILL THE ROOM” is an informal conversation with Dr. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for University Life. Noon in Room G-16, Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St.
DR. KING’S OTHER LEGACIES: Discuss excerpts from a documentary film. 6 to 8 p.m., Living Room, Civic House, 3914 Locust Walk.

Thursday, Jan. 20

BLOOD DRIVE: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Houston Hall. Please visit www.penngivesblood.org to sign up.

INTERFAITH PROGRAM: Rabbi David, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Saperstein, delivers the keynote address, with remarks by President Amy Gutmann. Community Involvement Awards will also be presented. 6 p.m., Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall.

Friday, Jan. 21

THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LECTURE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE: A conversation with UC-Santa Cruz Professor Angela Y. Davis and Geraldine R. Segal Professor of Social Thought and History Mary Francis Berry about “Sexuality and Social Justice.” 5:30 p.m., Irvine Auditorium.Thursday, Jan. 20

Saturday, Jan. 22

SOCIAL CHANGE PERFORMING ARTS NIGHT: Penn performing arts groups present pieces that deal with social change. 8 to 10 p.m., Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.

Monday, Jan. 24

A LUNCHTIME PANEL DISCUSSION AND CONVERSATION about sermons as a genre and the role sermons played in the development of Civil Rights discourse. Panelists will include University Chaplain William Gipson. Noon to 1:30 p.m., Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk.

FROM RHETORIC TO ACTIVISM PART I: A forum to discuss Dr. King’s legacy in terms of social justice, equality and the war; 6 to 8 p.m., Christian Association, 118 South 37th St.

FILM AND DISCUSSION about “Unlikely Heroes” (Richard Trank, 2003)—seven stories of heroic men and women who saved Jews during the Holocaust. 6:30 p.m., Steinhardt Hall, 215 South 39th St.Sunday, Jan. 23

Tuesday, Jan. 25

“WHAT WOULD MARTIN SAY? Mental Health of African Americans from a Health Policy Perspective” with Dr. Freida Outlaw, associate professor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at Penn Nursing and executive director for special populations, Department of Mental Health in Tennessee. 4 to 5 p.m., Room 111, School of Nursing, 420 Guardian Drive.
PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR and Penn History Professor Steven Hahn will discuss his award winning book, “A Nation Under Our Feet: Black Political Struggles in the Rural South From Slavery to the Great Migration”(Belknap, 2003). 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.

Wednesday, Jan. 26

FROM RHETORIC TO ACTIVISM PART II, a forum to discuss Dr. King’s legacy in terms of social justice, equality and the war. 3 to 5 p.m., Christian Association.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PHILADELPHIA: Learn more about West Philadelphia and ways to engage in responsible service that fosters mutually beneficial relationships between students and community members; 6 to 7:30 p.m., Living Room, Civic House.

Friday, Jan. 28