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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2023

Willamette University will once again honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest leaders and humanitarians of our time, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Just Living

Celebrating the African Diaspora

January 18-20, 2003

2023 Celebration Schedule of Events

Just Food: Join the Conversation; See the Demonstration; Feel the Vibration

Wednesday, 1/18
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
PNCA Mediatheque, Portland

Spoken Word Artist Sterling Cunio opens and closes main presentation performing pieces on Food Scarcity. Conceptual Artist and Celebrity Chef, Bryant Terry, hosts a conversation and provides a cooking demonstration to address and respond to the prevalence of food insecurity. 


Convo: An MLK Book discussion with Bryant Terry

Thursday, 1/19
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Waller Hall, Cone Chapel, 950 State Street, Salem

Members of the campus community and the public are invited to join us during the WU Community convocation hour. The MLK Book Club will host a conversation with Bryant Terry, curator, editor, and co-author of Black Food: Stories, Art & Recipes from Across the African Diaspora.


Cook In: A Black Food Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Bryant Terry

Thursday, 1/19
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Wilson-Hines area of Goudy Commons

A cooking class for students of Willamette University. Bryant Terry will teach students in attendance how to cook a special recipe from Black Food: Stories, Art & Recipes from Across the African Diaspora.

This event is co-hosted by the Black Student Union, supported by Bon Appetit and the WU Food Services Team. Goudy Chefs will include the recipe taught by Bryant along with other recipes from Bryant’s works for general dinner following the class.


Into the Streets

Friday, 1/20
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations

This annual event is conducted in partnership with the Office of Civic Engagement and the Community Service Learning student leaders. It is a time set aside by the university to allow WU community members to serve in the local community.

Register in Advance or in-person 12:30 p.m. in the UC 2nd Floor lobby area on Friday. Spots are limited.

Participants will return to campus by 4:30 p.m.


An Atkinson Lecture Series Event

Food Justice: At the Intersection of Food, Politics, Poverty, Public Health and the Environment

Friday, 1/20
7:00 p.m. (doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.)
Willamette University, Hudson Hall in Rogers Music Center 

This primary 2023 MLK Commemoration lecture, an Atkinson Lecture Series event, will feature award-winning, conceptual artist, Bryant Terry. This lecture will include a cooking demonstration using a plant-based recipe. Book signing and book sales will follow the lecture.

This event is partially funded by the Lear Lecture Endowment Fund.

MLK Celebration Committee

  • Ineda Pearl Adesanya – Chair
  • Adrienne Ochs
  • Aida Bantjes
  • Amy Nelson Green
  • Beth Pfeiffer
  • Chris Andresen
  • Christine Heyen
  • Colleen Kawahara
  • Daniel Braker
  • Dave Sundby
  • Emerald Russell
  • Emilio Solano
  • Ineda Pearl Adesanya
  • Iris Hankins
  • Isabela Gaupo
  • Jaclyn Rojo
  • Jenny Jopp
  • Jodi Santillie
  • Kaila Kalauokaaea-Kahele
  • Leanne Machado
  • Laila Pickett
  • Lisa Logan
  • Malavika Arun
  • Manny Cifuentes-Machado
  • Mattie Weber
  • Michael Valtierra
  • Nicole Rodgers
  • Nikki Paxton
  • Reyna Meyers
  • Shelaswau Crier
  • Stephen Patterson
  • Tama St. Onge
  • Ted Alberon
  • Tiffany DeGroat
  • Tommy Van Cleave
  • Wendy Petersen-Boring
  • Yvonne Tamayo
Willamette University

Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion

Address
Renjen Center - York Hall
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6265