Several events have been planned on campus and in Fort Collins for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15, including the annual march.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration brings the community together annually, and 2018’s celebration will build upon previous years — with a few changes. First and foremost, this year organizers are asking the community to “Rise Up, Take Action” — four simple but powerful words.

The annual march at 11 a.m. from Old Town Square to the doors of the Lory Student Center’s Main Ballrooms will conclude with a musical performance. That will be followed by remarks from keynote speaker Rev. Jamie Washington, president of Washington Consulting Group, president and co-founder of the Social Justice Training Institute, and vice president of the American College Personnel Association.

The day is intended to create action where people will leave the event with a renewed sense of focus and purpose, specifically on how to disrupt oppressive systems daily. To understand individual and collective responsibility, attendees will break into small groups to engage in conversation about topics that include affordable housing, the arts, interfaith coalition, education and food insecurity, as they relate to accessibility, equity and inclusion for all.

Opportunities to donate

In partnership with Homeless Gear, there will be a couple of opportunities to take part in community service before and after the march. To “Rise Up and Take Action” before Jan. 15, consider donating the items listed below. The main drop-off location is the LSC information desk (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 14 — click here for specific dates and times during Winter Break) or people can bring items on the 15th.

Needed items

(trial size preferably, but all donations accepted)

·       Disposable razors
·       Shaving cream
·       Toothbrush
·       Toothpaste
·       Deodorant
·       Soap
·       Shampoo
·       Conditioner
·       Individual size and prepackaged, non-perishable snacks

Tentative agenda for Jan. 15

9 – 10:30              Community Service Project (Lory Student Center)
10:30 – 11:00      Transportation to Old Town for those who took part in the Community Service Project
11:00 – noon       MLK Charge and March (Old Town)
Noon – 1:00        Keynote/Entertainment (LSC Ballrooms)
1:00 – 2:00         Community Dialogues including Community Service Project continuation (throughout LSC)*
2:00 – 2:30         Closing

*refreshments will be provided for those who will be engaging in community dialogues

Community Dialogues will be designed with elementary students in mind as well as senior citizens and everyone in between, since all have a role in making Fort Collins truly a great place to live for all.

Those interested in volunteering for the event can click here. Check the website as the day nears for updates: www.mlkfortcollins.org.