The public is invited to free events and workshops from Jan. 20–23, as Highline College hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week.

Presenters will focus on the theme “Many Faces: Responsibility, Resistance and Reality.”

All events will be held on Highline College’s main campus in Des Moines, located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99).

Highline’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week is sponsored by the college’s Multicultural Affairs, Center for Leadership & Service, Inter-Cultural Center, Veterans Services, and Learning and Teaching Center.

For more information contact Highline’s Office of Multicultural Affairs at [email protected] or (206) 592-3296, or visit http://multiculturalaffairs.highline.edu/mlkweek.php.

Here’s the schedule:

WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, 10–11:30 a.m.
WHAT: “Called Back to Greater Purpose” presented by the Interfaith Amigos: Rabbi Ted Falcon, Imam Jamal Rahman and Rev. Dave Brown
WHERE: Building 7
INFO: The Interfaith Amigos will honor those who called us back to greater purpose and consider how their traditions view violence. The Amigos address the usual taboos of interfaith dialogue in order to create a more authentic conversation. They believe that spirituality is one of the foundations that can support us acting together to resolve some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, 12–1 p.m.
WHAT: “Middle East Crisis and Islamophobia” presented by Sam Alkhalili
WHERE: Building 2
INFO: This lecture will explore the origins of ISIS/ISIL, how they developed, and why they do not represent Muslims and Islam. It will also explore the negative impacts of Islamophobia. Sam Alkhalili is the coordinator of Highline’s Business Technology department, president of the Arab Alliance Chamber of Commerce of Washington State, executive board member of the Arab Center of Washington and an organizer for United Muslims of Washington State.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 21, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
WHAT: “Art of Social Activism 1967–2014” presented by Emory Douglas
WHERE: Building 7
INFO: Emory Douglas was politically involved as Revolutionary Artist and Minister of Culture for the Black Panther party, from 1967 until the early 1980’s. Douglas’ art and design concepts were always seen on the front and back pages of the Black Panther Newspaper, reflecting the politics of the Black Panther Party and the concerns of the community. Douglas will facilitate a power point retrospective presentation giving insight and contexts behind many of the social and political graphics that he created with the Black Panther Party. He will also include many contemporary graphics as well as a few related to exhibitions, travels and artistic collaborations. A reception with Douglas will follow from 12:30­–1:30 p.m. in Building 2.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 21, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
WHAT: Ferguson panel facilitated by Dr. Shon Meckfessel
WHERE: Building 7
INFO: Panelists will have a discussion around the events in Ferguson, Missouri and how these actions have and are continuing to affect our nation. The panel will reflect on these issues and explore racism in our criminal justice system. The panelists include law enforcement officials, activists and community leaders.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
WHAT: “A Promise Still to Keep” presented by Lee Mun Wah
WHERE: Building 7
INFO: As students are about to graduate into the world to pursue their dreams and hopes, what will be their mark on the world? What will they be remembered for? These are the questions that have lingered in the halls of each generation and echoed in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. when he made his famous speech, “I Have a Dream.” In that speech heard around the world, he called on this country to make good on its promises that were embedded in the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution. As students enter into a new era, how will they be remembered? Will they remember the words of those who tried to make a difference—that there is a promise still to keep.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
WHAT: “Walking Each Other Home: Finding Our Way Through Difficult Conversations About Race,” a workshop by Lee Mun Wah
WHERE: Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus rooms
INFO: The workshop will use Lee Mun Wah’s concept of “The Art of Mindful Facilitation” and various other communication techniques that will help in de-escalating a conflict within minutes. Through the use of role plays, personal stories, films, listening exercises and mindfully responding techniques, participants will learn facilitation and inquiry techniques normally reserved for advanced trainers.

WHEN: Friday, January 23, 10–11:30 a.m.
WHAT: “Veterans for Peace,” a panel facilitated by Michael R. Dedrick of Veterans for Peace
WHERE: Building 7
INFO: Veterans for Peace is a global organization of military veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace. Veterans on this panel will speak to their experiences and share their perspectives on war. They will not only explore the causes and costs of wars, but will also share their thoughts on nonviolence.

WHEN: Friday, January 23, 2–4 p.m.
WHAT: Media Literacy and Activism workshop presented by Teela Foxworth and Susan Landgraf
WHERE: Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus rooms
INFO: Participants will learn how to take action for social change through social media and activism.