MLK Jr. Day, Peacemaking Week, and Missions Week

Civil rights and civil discourse to highlight week-long series of events at WWU

A series of events during Walla Walla University Peacemaking and Missions Week, Jan. 21 to 26, will highlight civil rights, civil discourse, and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The weeklong celebration will begin with a program in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. in the University Church, 212 S.W. 4th St., College Place. Kazi Joshua, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Whitman College, will present the keynote address “It Is Not Clear What We Shall Become.”

Originally from Malawi, Southeast Africa, Joshua studied political philosophy at Trinity College of Vermont and theology at Maryknoll School of Theology, Yale Divinity School, and the University of Chicago. He has held teaching positions at the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education, the North Park Theological Seminary, and at Loyola University Chicago where he focused on liberation theology, social justice, race relations, and social change. Joshua was associate dean of the college at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania before coming to Whitman College where he has led the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion since 2015.

Joshua is dedicated to working among communities that are underrepresented on issues related to the economy, immigration, and race. He works to eliminate conditions that limit thriving and is motivated by the goal of encouraging growth and change through love, justice, and grace.

The WWU MLK Jr. Day celebration event will include musical performances by the University Singers, I Cantori of WWU, and the Berean Praise Team.

MLK Jr. Day, Peacemaking Week and Missions Week events:

Monday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m.
Kazi Joshua, vice president for diversity and inclusion at Whitman College, will speak for the Walla Walla University Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in the University Church, 212 S.W. Fourth St., College Place. Joshua's keynote address is titled “It Is Not Clear What We Shall Become.”

Monday, Jan. 21, 4 p.m.
A MLK Peace March through downtown Walla Walla will commemorate the life and activism of Martin Luther King Jr. Students from WWU and Whitman College will gather with members of the Walla Walla community at 4 p.m. at the Whitman College Reid Center, 280 Boyer Ave., Walla Walla, and will march to the GESA Powerhouse Theater, 111 N. 6th Ave., Walla Walla. Following the march, there will be a short program at the theater with remarks from Tim Golden, WWU professor of philosophy, and performances by the Whitman Freedom Singers and the WWU Berean choir. Refreshments will be provided.

Monday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.
A screening of the film Blood Brother will take place in the WWU Black Box Theater, 306 S.W. 4th St., College Place. Sponsored by Student Missions and the Center for Media Ministry.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 8 a.m.
The WWU Amnesty International Club and the WWU History Club will offer hot drinks beginning at 8 a.m. in front of the WWU Administration Building, 204 S. College Ave., College Place.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m.
The WWU Social Work Club and the WWU Asian and Pacific Islander Club will host a privilege walk at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the University Church, 212 S.W. 4th St., College Place.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.
The WWU chapter of Engineers Without Borders will host a group discussion in the WWU Student Association Center, 32 S.E. Ash St., College Place.

Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
The WWU Theology Club will host a panel discussion in Smith Hall, Room 100, 22 S. College Ave., College Place.

Friday, Jan. 17, 9:15 p.m.
A Peacekeeping IMPACT will be held in the Student Association Center. Participants will write what they think makes a good peacemaker and will link their comments together to make one long chain symbolizing unity and the strength we have when we unify. There will also be a peacemaking Jeopardy game featuring peacemakers throughout history.

Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m.
The WWU Berean Fellowship will host Peacemaking as Christ Followers in the WWU Black Box Theater, 306 S.W. 4th St., College Place.

Additional details about Peacemaking and Missions Week events and the WWU Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration are available at wallawalla.edu/MLK.

Posted Jan. 15, 2019

The Peace March hosted by Whitman College will include students from WWU, Whitman College, and members of the local Walla Walla community.
portrait photo of Kazi Joshua in front of a window.
Kazi Joshua will speak for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Walla Walla University on Monday, Jan. 21.