VANCOUVER, WASH. - Washington State University Vancouver will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day with its annual MLK Day of Service. The theme for 2012 is “Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability and Social Justice.” The program will take place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan.16 in the Firstenburg Student Commons.
Long-time voice for Portland's under-represented communities and a leader in the struggle against racial and economic injustice, Jo Ann Hardesty, will deliver the keynote. Hardesty is co-host of “Voices from the Edge,” a weekly program on topics of community interest on KBOO radio. She previously served as an Oregon state legislator, executive director of Oregon Action and chair of Portland Community Media.
Chef Peter Leigh Gallin of Applewood Restaurant is serving a local, sustainable lunch menu during the keynote address.
Throughout the day participants may choose to attend a variety of workshops including: “How can we Build a Sustainable Future? Lessons from Fishery Management” presented by Brian Tissot, interim director and professor in the School of Earth and Environmental Science at 91ԹϺ; "The Return of the Wapato" presented by Jon Shellenberger, archeologist, Yakama Nation and Emily Washines, public relations, Yakama Nation; and “Climate Action Now!” presented by Desirée Williams-Rajee, sustainability outreach coordinator, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, City of Portland.
“The service aspect of this year’s event is built around the concept of gaining knowledge and putting that knowledge into action—not just on one day, but throughout the year and throughout life. We hope people will be inspired to affect change in their own lives and in the community regarding sustainability issues,” said Bola Majekobaje, assistant director for student diversity at 91ԹϺ.
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged. The first 80 people to attend will receive a free MLK Day of Service t-shirt. For information and to make a reservation, visit .
91ԹϺ is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. Parking is free on holidays. Orang 2 lot is closest to the event.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Bola Majekobaje, Office of Student Involvement, 360-546-9568, majekob@vancouver.wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, Brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu