Honoring the life, work and continuing contribution of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the movement he represented is the goal of a weeklong celebration January 19-22, 2021, hosted by the Fresno Pacific University Office of Spiritual Formation and Diversity.
The celebration is a community event that honors and examines King’s legacy in the current social climate. Themes will center on Why We Can’t Wait, King’s 1963 landmark book analyzing the Civil Rights movement, and today’s growing urgency to see equity and inclusion for African Americans and other marginalized groups. Events will provide opportunities to hear from voices in our FPU community and discover how we can contribute to this profound legacy.
This is a virtual event that will be held over Zoom (links below). For more information, contact Taylor Starks, assistant director of spiritual formation, at 559-453-5547 or taylor.starks@fresno.edu
Schedule
Tuesday, January 19: Virtual Book Celebration & Discussion (12:40-1:50 p.m.)
Zoom Link: https://fresno.zoom.us/j/6697467765
Hiebert Library and The Office of Spiritual Formation & Diversity invite you to join them for the virtual book celebration of Fannie Lou Hamer's Revolutionary Practical Theology: Racial and Environmental Justice Concerns, by Rev. Karen Crozier, Ph.D. This book provides new insights into the life of a leader in civil rights and human rights in the Jim Crow South. More commonly known for her political activism, Crozier presents Fannie Lou Hamer as a religious thought leader and practical theologian who disrupted the deep-rooted systems of racial, economic and environmental injustice. Three books will be given out in a drawing that is open to all students who join the celebration.
Tuesday, January 19: Why We Can’t Wait and Letter from a Birmingham Jail: A Conversation with MACE (12:40-1:50 p.m.)
Zoom Link: https://fresno.zoom.us/j/96521729124
The Multiethnic Association of Cultural Engagement (MACE) will lead a discussion centered on King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, included as the fifth chapter of Why We Can’t Wait. This interactive discussion will examine King’s charge to clergymen critical of his efforts toward injustice and the implications for the community at large.
Tuesday, January 19: Why We Can’t Wait: The Impact on Mental Health (6:00-7:00 p.m.)
Zoom Link: https://fresno.zoom.us/j/6697467765
Deshunna Ricks, Ed.D., author of I Have Value and adjunct instructor at Fresno Pacific University, explains the ties between racial issues and trauma. Join us for a conversation on using healing and working toward resilience in the face of oppression.
Wednesday, January 20: Why We Can’t Wait: Athletics and Activism (12:00-1:00 p.m.)
Zoom Link: https://fresno.zoom.us/j/6697467765
Our newly formed Athletes of Color Alliance (AoC) examines recent displays of activism among high profile athletes and their significant impacts on culture and society. This dialogue will be about what it means for people to use their platforms to promote equity and justice.
Wednesday, January 20: Why We Can’t Wait: Addressing the Disparities in Education (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3677952267
Angie Barfield, program specialist at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, champions the development and success of students across the Central Valley. Her extensive work in leadership development and parent involvement provides the basis for a conversation surrounding the importance of advocacy for and the mentorship of young students as they prepare for opportunities in higher education and their adult lives.