Peace Walk among Dream Week highlights

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The 2022 Peace Walk was cancelled due to an expected winter storm, and Monday evening's keynote address will be virtual-only.)

Pennsylvania College of Technology students and employees are encouraged to participate in Dream Week, an annual opportunity – timed to the Jan. 15 birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. – for positive communitywide engagement.

A number of events will reflect the "Has the Dream Been Realized?" theme for this year’s observance, a joint effort by Penn College, Lycoming College, STEP AmeriCorps and former members of Williamsport's Beloved Community Council. Visit the Dream Week link on the Office of Student Engagement's portal page, or check out the posters on campus bulletin boards (complete with QR codes to access virtual options).



Wednesday, Jan. 12
Lycoming Tri-County Branch NAACP virtual meeting at 5 p.m. “The NAACP is a multiracial civil rights organization founded 112 years ago," event organizers noted. "This storied organization has a long history of fighting for civil rights and the end of racist practices in our country. This local branch seeks to educate, raise up Black voices and cultivate the community energy of residents in our region to make changes here.“

Monday, Jan. 17
Peace Walk at 10:45 a.m. beginning and ending at Christ Community Worship Center (436 W. 4th Street in Williamsport). The walk begins and ends at Christ Community Worship Center, 436 W. Fourth St. in Williamsport, and will feature remarks from Pastor Marwyn Reeves and readings from King's “Letters from Birmingham Jail” at four points along the 1.5-mile route. (A shortened route is also available, and those unable to attend or who prefer to walk on their own, are encouraged to conduct their own Peace Walk anytime during Dream Week!) Early registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

G.I. Drew Hart, a theology professor at Messiah University, church anti-racism leader and social change practitioner, will speak at the Klump Academic Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. Register here if attending virtually.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 18-19
American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m. in Penn's Inn (Bush Campus Center, second floor). Help ease a critical blood shortage by donating during this convenient campaign in support of Penn College Benefiting THON! Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit Red Cross Blood Services to schedule an appointment.

Wednesday, Jan. 19
Bread for the World is offering a "Race and the Wealth Gap" learning simulation, an interactive tool that helps people understand the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty and wealth. There are two sessions on Zoom, noon or 6:30 p.m. (a change over the previously posted time); visit here to participate.

Anthony McPherson, a resident poet with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and a former New York City subway break dancer, will conduct two free programs: "Defense Against the Dark Arts," an anti-bigotry workshop for students, at 4 p.m. in Room 207 of the Bush Campus Center, and a poetry performance at 7 p.m. in the Thompson Professional Development Center's Mountain Laurel Room. Students can register for the free workshop by emailing the Student Engagement Office.

In a service project throughout the week (Jan. 17-21), donations will be accepted in the CC lobby to benefit Dwell Orphan Care and Firetree Place.

Dwell Orphan Care (new items only)
Children's toys, Lego sets, family board and card games, art supplies and crafting kits, socks and underwear (kids, youth and adult sizes)

Firetree Place (new and slightly used items)
Coats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, umbrellas, prepackaged and unopened snack foods, and fidget toys