The public is invited to free events Jan. 22–25 as Highline College hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week celebration.

Marking what would have been King’s 90th birthday, the week offers a variety of lectures and discussions, centered on the theme “Nothing to Lose: Preserving Humanity in the Face of Trauma.” With the nation in a state of change and experiencing turmoil, event organizers looked to King’s legacy of looking toward hope for humanity while in the midst of trauma.

All events will be held on the college’s main campus in Des Moines, located at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South. Find full event descriptions on the Office of Multicultural Affairs webpage.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Keynote address by Terisa Siagatonu, poet, arts educator, community organizer and mental health advocate: “The Village It Will Take: What Our Wounds Demand of Justice/Just Us”

Building 7

1:30–3 p.m.

Lecture by Roger Fernandes, Native American artist, storyteller and educator: “Indigenizing Spaces: Teachings of the First People”

Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus

Wednesday, Jan. 23

10–11:30 a.m.

Documentary screening and Q&A by Rafael Flores, director: “My People Are Rising”

Building 7

noon–1:30 p.m.

Lecture by Aaron Dixon, former Black Panther Party captain: “My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain”

Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Thursday, Jan. 24

9–10:30 a.m.

Lecture by community activists Miriam McBride and Evan Martynovych: “Hilltop Urban Gardens: Growing Towards Freedom”

Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

1:30–3 p.m.

Lecture by Chhoti Maa, multidisciplinary cultural producer: “Apapachandonos: Towards a Lasting Collectivity”

Building 7

Friday, Jan. 25

9–10:30 a.m.

Lecture by Rosetta Lee, faculty and professional outreach specialist at Seattle Girls’ School: “Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces: Courageous Conversations”

Building 8, Mt. Constance Room