King Observance to Include Service Project, Anti-Racism Speaker

Published 01.09.2014

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A prominent anti-racism writer and educator will deliver a keynote address at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 20, among the local events scheduled in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The 6 p.m. appearance by Tim Wise, whose six books include “Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority,” is free and open to the public. A graduate of Tulane University, he has contributed essays to 25 books, has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, is a regular contributor to discussions about race on CNN, and has been featured on ABC’s “20/20.”



Tim Wise“This year’s lecture is sure to be thought-provoking and will incorporate the theme, ‘Promoting peace within our community,’” said Malinda C. Love, assistant director of student activities for diversity and cultural life. “It is important to us that attendees walk away with an understanding of their role in combating the inequality and senseless acts of violence we continue to witness throughout our nation and our local community.”

A question-and-answer session, reception and book-signing will follow Wise’s speech.

His Penn College-sponsored visit will supplement several events planned by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee, comprising various community members and groups, which has organized a service project for Saturday, Jan. 18.

Members of the public are invited to Lycoming College’s Recreation Center from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day to help package 40,000 meals for distribution to area families through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.; the project will include speakers and a musical performance.

That event will be preceded by a peace walk at 9 a.m. Saturday, starting at 600 Campbell St. and ending at the recreation center.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Congress’s designation of the King holiday as a national day of service, honoring the civil-rights leader’s legacy by encouraging charitable community outreach.

For more about the Penn College Student Activities Office, call 570-327-4763.

For information about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.