The University celebrates King's legacy

“Penn’s Commitment to the Legacy: Making a Difference By Living the Dream” remembers and celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of University events. For a complete list of programs and the latest information on the MLK events visit: www.upenn.edu/aarc/mlk/calendar.htm.

Sunday, Jan. 15

  • ANNUAL DINNER: The 20th Annual Dinner in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. includes a recitation of some of Dr. King’s works, a discussion of those works in today’s society, gospel music and a delicious southern-style dinner. Reservations: 215-386-9224. 6 p.m. at White Dog Café, 3420 Sansom St. $28 includes dinner, complimentary soda, coffee or tea, tax and gratuity.

Monday, Jan. 16

  • DAY OF SERVICE BREAKFAST: Free continental breakfast and words by Sister Empress Phile’ Chionesu and President Amy Gutmann. 9 a.m., Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St.
  • BOOKS THROUGH BARS: Join the White Dog and work with Books Through Bars, an organization that loans books to indigent prisoners who would not otherwise be able to access them. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Books Through Bars, 4722 Baltimore Ave.
  • SCHOOL SPRUCE-UP PROJECT:Help transform a West Philadelphia elementary school. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers in need of transportation meet at 3417 Spruce St.
  • CHILDREN'S BANNER PAINTING:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Class of ’49 Auditorium, Houston Hall.
  • HELPING HANDS AT HOUSTON: 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 local youth. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ben Franklin Room, Houston Hall.
  • CANDLELIGHT VIGIL:7 p.m., marching from W.E.B. Du Bois, the Quad and Hill College Houses to the Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

  • BRING MEN TO PEACE: Bilal Qayyum, peace activist and co-founder of Men United For A Better Philadelphia and The Fathers’ Day Rally Committee presents “Men Organizing For Peace: Reaching Our Youth In The Street.” 5:30 p.m., Carriage House, 3907 Spruce Street.
  • BLOOD DRIVE: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., W.E.B. Du Bois College House, 3900 Walnut St.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

  • NEW SUPREME COURT: Explore the implications of the new Supreme Court on women’s lives. Noon to 1:30 p.m., Penn Women’s Center, 3642 Locust Walk.
  • MLK INTERFAITH PROGRAM: This program includes music, readings and remarks from President Gutmann and guest speaker Rev. Dwight Ernest, pastor of Christian Unity Church in New Orleans and former Chaplain of Dillard University. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Involvement Awards will be presented. 6:30 p.m., Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall. .

Thursday, Jan. 19

  • MLK LECTURE: Charlayne Hunter-Gault, foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, Ron Allen, NBC News correspondent and Farai Chideya, correspondent and substitute host for NPR’s “News & Notes with Ed Gordon” participate in The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture in Social Justice. 5:30 p.m., Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St.

Friday, Jan. 20

  • JAZZ FOR KING CELEBRATION: Catch Glenn Bryan’s band, Friends. 6 to 8 p.m., W.E.B. Du Bois College House.

Saturday, Jan. 21

  • COMMUNITY SERVICE: Join the Penn African Student Association for their community service project. Noon at MANA.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

  • RESTAURANTS CELEBRATE MLK: Buy One-Get One Half Price or get a 25 percent discount for individual orders at University City restaurants. A coupon from the MLK booklet is required at the time of purchase. 5 to 9 p.m. at Fatou & Fama, Zocalo, White Dog Café and Pizza Rustica.
  • FILM SCREENING: Watch “America’s Civil Rights Movement,” a film that teaches tolerance and depicts the battle for civil rights as told by its foot soldiers. 7 p.m., Greenfield Intercultural Center, 3708 Chestnut St.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

  • CELEBRATE A WOMAN'S WORK: Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for University Life will speak. Noon at Golkin Room, Houston Hall.
  • KWH PROGRAM: Acel Moore of the Inquirer hosts a lunchtime conversation. Noon at Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk.
  • PENN IN THE COMMUNITY: Explore the impact of Penn’s work in the community. 5 to 8 p.m., Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.

Thursday, Jan. 26

  • HONORING LEGENDS: A reception for the yearlong commemoration of the 125th anniversary of an African- American presence within the Penn alumni family. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dental School, 40th and Spruce sts.