Although the University will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a whole week of activities to honor the late civil rights leader will keep the campus anything but idle.
The week will kick off with a day of service on Monday. The University’s Service Learning Program will be hosting a multitude of projects for students to participate in, such as helping out at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley, The Arc of Lane County and Habitat for Humanity.
Morgan St. Jean, coordinator of community relations for the Service Learning Program, said 310 students have registered for service projects so far. She said students can still register and are welcome to drop in on Monday.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is recognized as a national day of service, but this is the first time the University has organized a large-scale service project. St. Jean said the SLP is looking forward to making it a tradition.
“We’re really excited that service is going to be added in to the University celebration,” she said. “It’s a great way to honor Dr. King through your actions, not your words.”
St. Jean said free food, T-shirts and transportation will be provided. More information can be found at serve.uoregon.edu.
On Tuesday, damali ayo, an author, performance artist and comedian, will be holding a workshop titled “Conceptual Art and Social Performance.” The event is co-hosted by the University Women’s Center and the Multicultural Center and will be held in the EMU Fir Room from 2 to 5 p.m.
Ayo is also the keynote speaker at the Lane County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration being held on Monday night at the Hult Center. She is known for her advocacy of “art for social change.” Erin McGladrey, office coordinator for the Women’s Center, said the center saw a great opportunity to host the workshop, because ayo was already in town and because she espouses non-violence, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did.
“The kind of theater she uses and helps others develop is based on non-violent principles,” McGladrey said. “She is going to work with people to help them pay attention to what they’re interested in and develop something that’s a benefit to the community, not for themselves.”
“She’s funny and she exposes some of the more subtle aspects of liberal racism,” Multicultural Center Director Steve Morozumi said. “She combines humor with social commentary.”
After the workshop, there will be a reception with food and live music at the Multicultural Center.
The Black Student Union will also be holding a candlelight vigil and march on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the EMU amphitheater.
Finally, the University Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity will be presenting its UO MLK Award on Thursday. The award ceremony will take place in the Gerlinger Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by an art reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the University Counseling and Testing Center and co-sponsored by the Bias Response Team.
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day events off-campus
Civil Rights Song Workshop with John Gainer
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 16
Where: First Christian Church, 1166 Oak St.
Cost: $10 donation suggested
MLK Celebration presented by H.O.N.E.Y. Inc., featuring speaker Abrella Luvert, jazz and hip-hop artists and belly dancing
When: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 16
Where: Cozmic Pizza, 199 W 8th Ave.
Cost: Free
Lane County Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration
Featuring keynote speaker damali ayo; music performances by John Gainer and the Civil Rights Songs Workshop Choir, Mariachi del Sol; dance performance by Phenomenon
When: 4 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. program, Jan. 18
Where: Hult Center, Silva Concert Hall
Cost: Free
MLK Day Legacy of Hope Blood Drive
When: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18
Where: Lane Memorial Blood Bank, 2211 Willamette St.
Cost: Free
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