Alma College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week features a variety of events celebrating the legacy of the civil rights leader and his message of peace and acceptance.
Among the 2011 events is the sixth annual Hilson Poetry Slam, co-hosted by the English department and the Multicultural Student Union. Laura von Wallmenich, assistant professor of English, says the event reflects Dr. King’s rhetorical finesse.
“Dr. King was, above all else, a wordsmith,” she says. “The civil rights movement depended on words to bring about social justice, which is why we have the poetry slam. The open mic allows every student to decide what words honor the day.”
Anne Ritz, service-learning coordinator, says that the other volunteer-based events honor Dr. King’s commitment to service.
“Make it a day on, not a day off,” Ritz says. “There are many ways for students to get involved and serve this week, whether donating blood, working with youth or offering a meal from their meal plan.”
Links of Interest
MLK sites
