Walla Walla University’s Peacemaking Week, which took place Jan. 21-26, was a weeklong series that began at the University Church on the morning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The series consisted of various programs and activities that focused on honoring and celebrating Dr. King’s life and the work he did to help those in need, as well as his advocation for peace and the rights of all people.

Kazi Joshua, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Whitman College, presented the keynote address titled “It Is Not Clear What We Shall Become.” During his speech Joshua said, “Be the best of what God has called us to be,” and concluded by saying that we are all called to insistently see the good in everyone.

Later that day, WWU students, faculty, and staff joined members of the Walla Walla community and Whitman College community for the annual MLK Peace March through downtown Walla Walla. The march ended at the Gesa Power House Theatre with a program honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The program featured performances by the WWU Berean Choir, the Whitman Freedom Singers, as well as an original song written and performed by Whitman College student Dorothy Mukasa titled “Dear Freedom.” Tim Golden, WWU philosophy professor, gave a message encouraging people to be committed more to movements and to take stands that are unpopular. “The magnitude of injustice is greater than the desire to resist it,” said Golden. “Commit yourself thoroughly to a movement, don’t just celebrate the monuments.”

Toward the end of Peacemaking Week, an event was held after vespers in the Student Association Center, at WWU. Participants wrote out what they think makes a good peacemaker and linked their comments together to create one long chain — symbolizing the strength made when people unify.

Posted Jan. 30, 2019