Office for Diversity Affairs and Equal Opportunity

Decorative graphic

Diversity

Equal Opportunity 

Resources for the College Community

Policies & Resources

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrate, Remember, ACT!

Celebrate Reverend King’s 80th Birthday

The following activities have been organized for your enjoyment by the Thurston County Martin Luther King Day Committee in honor of Dr. King’s 80th birthday. All activities are family-friendly and most are free of charge.

We invite you to spend time with your community in celebration and service this holiday.





 SATURDAY, January 17, 2009 | Ninth Annual Commemorative Banquet <back to top>

  • Ninth Annual Commemorative Banquet Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Guest Speaker:  Rosalund Jenkins, Executive Director Commission on African American Affairs
    Location: Saint Martin’s University 5300 Pacific Avenue - Lacey, Washington
    Time:  6:00 p.m. – Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
    Cost:   $40.00 per individual – $320.00 per table of 8

    For additional information or tickets, contact: Barbara Clarkson at (360) 459-9067 or
    Ruth Elder at (360)786-5135. This is a community event sponsored by Blacks In Government

 SATURDAY, January 17, 2009 | Thurston County Teens Celebrate the Life of Dr. King <back to top>

  • Thurston County Teens Celebrate the Life of Dr. King
    Risen Faith Fellowship
    2129 Fourth Ave. East, Olympia
    Time: 1:00 pm
    FREE

SUNDAY, January 18, 2009 | Meditative Walk for Peace <back to top>

  • Meditative Walk for Peace South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship Meditative Walk for Peace Thich Nhat Hanh style in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Location: Marathon Park, Capitol Lake
    Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m. Rain or Shine
    FREE

    The South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship will be conducting a silent peace walk in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Anyone wishing to walk in silent meditation in support of peace and non-violence is invited to attend. There will be no banners or signs, no chanting or cheering. Simply people walking in silence for peace, honoring the memory and principles of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SUNDAY, January 18, 2009 | Interdenominational Community Worship Service <back to top>

  • Interdenominational Community Worship Service honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Offering will go to the Blacks in Government Scholarship Fund.
    Location: New Life Baptist Church, Pastor/Overseer A.R. Obey, 7838 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia
    Time: 3:00 pm

MONDAY, January 19, 2009 | People's Summit and March on the Capitol <back to top>

  • People's Summit and March on the Capitol 
    Join us as we urge our lawmakers to fight for: Affordable Housing, Health Care for All, Income Supports, Support for new Americans, and Responsible Lending
    Location: St. John's Episcopal Church, 114 20th Avenue SE, Olympia, WA
    Time: 9:00 am (Summit begin)  |  11:30 am (March)

MONDAY, January 19, 2009 | Community Celebration at the Washington Center <back to top>

  • Remember, Act, Celebrate! A community celebration of the life of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring performances by talent from the local community.

    Location: Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, downtown Olympia
    Time: 4:00 pm
    FREE

MONDAY, January 19, 2009 | Community Service Opportunities <back to top>

  • Musical Instrument Drive

    This is a project to collect, repair and provide musical instruments for underprivileged youth.  Volunteers are needed to help repair and restore donated instruments and teaching youth the basics of the instruments. There will be a brief orientation for volunteers. Donations of instruments are also appreciated! To volunteer or for more information: mlkinstrumentdrive@gmail.com

  • Alternative Transportation Day –  Bike Drive <back to top>

    This is a bike/equipment drive to gather and distribute bikes, helmets, locks and patch kits to low income individuals with limited transportation options. Bike maintenance education will be offered and there will be speakers promoting alternative transportation. Volunteers are asked to commit a two hour shift on Monday, January 19th.  There is a special need for volunteers with bicycle repair experience but there will be opportunities for unskilled volunteers as well. To donate a bike or volunteer:  Benton Krause – (360) 470-4447

  • Street Art! <back to top>

    Street Art! is an all day arts workshop that aims to increase the community’s understanding of the issues at-risk youth face and, through art, to provide youth with healthy and creative outlets to express themselves. Looking for artistic and open-minded individuals. We hope volunteers will gain a better understanding of youth in their community. We will provide a volunteer orientation and encourage volunteer input in the project planning process. To volunteer or for more information: Andrea Covert – (360) 943-0780 x118

  • Experiencing Equality <back to top>

    This activity will be a day of experiential learning activities about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., diversity, stereotypes, etc. for youth in the 3rd through 5th grades. Looking for volunteers interested in education and social justice, especially if they have experience working with youth. There will be a volunteer orientation. To volunteer:  Adriana Puszkiewicz - 360-867-6137 or puszkiea@evergreen.edu.  For more information:  Kaela Winn - (360) 943-0780 x166 or kwinn@communityyouthservices.org

  • Out of the Woods – Remodel and Revive! <back to top>

    Help spruce up the living area/kids area of the Out of the Woods shelter.  Including painting, replacing furniture, and creating a kids play area, all while getting to know the families staying at the shelter. We will need at least one volunteer with a truck that will be willing to transport furniture (couches and tables). Lunch will be provided. To volunteer or for more information:  Julia Doty - (908) 499-1825 or juliadoty@gmail.com

  • Nutritional Awareness Project – NAP  <back to top>

    Creating and distributing food baskets to distribute to the Rochester community through ROOF Community Services. Baskets will include educational information about nutrition and the benefits of locally grown foods.Project is located in Rochester and volunteers will need their own transportation to:

    ROOF Community Services
    10140 Highway 12 SW
    Rochester, Washington 98579

    To volunteer or for more information:  Alexandra at ROOF – (360) 273-6375 (Leave Alexandra a message with your name, phone number and/or email address.)