Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 16 and WSU is one of several schools that are offering events where students can participate in the celebration of his legacy. 

“As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I ask all Cougs to commit to kindness. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring the long-term success of our communities, and there is no greater calling than being of service to the people and places around us,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said. 

Events start on Thursday and run well past MLK day, according to WSU. 

The first event available that students are encouraged to participate in is an Open Mic by the English department that features finalists for the Campus Civic Poet Award as speakers. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday in Avery Hall, according to WSU Events. 

Then, on MLK day, students can donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. food drive, where the food will be distributed between the Community Action Center and the Cougar Food Pantry. Drop-off locations include Walmart, Grocery Outlet, Cougar Food Pantry (CUB), Student Affairs Suite and Safeway, according to WSU Events.

Tuesday, January 17, is the National Day of Racial Healing, where students are encouraged to take the pledge on gathering to listen, teach, and learn about racial healing, according to the Office of the Provost.

“Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity. Racism affects all of us, whether we are aware of it or not. It affects our ability to know, relates to and values one another. Embedded in every one of our systems, racism is one of the biggest obstacles to solving the challenges we face in our communities,” W.K Kellogg Foundation wrote. 

It is the first time that WSU is hosting a Day of Racial Healing, and students can learn more information through WSU Insider.

After MLK day, there are several keynote speakers that WSU is hosting to commemorate MLK’s legacy. At 6 p.m. on February 7, Crystal Fleming will be speaking on “How to be less stupid about race,” according to WSU Events.

Up next, at 5 p.m. on March 2, Michelle Coles leads a discussion on how social justice and systemic change must stem from a thorough understanding of our past, according to WSU Events. 

Finally, at 6 p.m. on March 28, Tekita Bankhead’s speech is titled “Race-Related Trauma & Coping Culturally-Specific Mental Health Concerns & Strategies,” according to WSU Events.