Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
UAFS Campus Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
Beginning Jan. 17, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith hosts its eighth annual community celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in collaboration with the MLK Community Association. More than a week of special programming expounds on the 2019 theme of “Love. Compassion. Action: Tackling Poverty, Hunger and Homelessness in the River Valley.” The federal holiday has been recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day since 1986, making King the only nonpresident to have a national holiday dedicated to his memory. The events at UAFS have grown in recent years to include educational and community forums featuring local leaders, as well as youth and student activists and innovators. The full schedule of celebratory events includes: JAN. 17-27 — Books and Reynolds Room. JAN. 22 — 11 a.m., public presentation titled “The MLK Community Association in Action” by Bruce Wade, president of the MLK Community Association. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace. JAN. 23 — noon, public lecture titled “Love and Action During Reconstruction” by Mike Crane, associate professor of history. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace. JAN. 24 — 11 a.m., public presentation titled “The Food Bank in Action” by Julie W. Moncrief, director of marketing and development for River Valley Regional Food Bank. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace. JAN. 25 — noon, public presentation titled “Keeping Hope Alive” by Chris Joannides, executive director of Riverview Hope Campus. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace. Read more at uafs.edu. selected writings on King on display all day at the Boreham Library at UAFS, located at 813 N. Waldron Road. JAN. 21 — 7:30 a.m., breakfast, free and open to the public. The event will include a panel discussion of community leaders and activists who work to alleviate poverty, hunger and homelessness in the River Valley. Mayor-Elect George McGill will serve as moderator.