Highline College hosts its annual event remembering and studying the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. next week.

The theme this year is “Living MLK: Moving Beyond Surviving to Thriving.” It starts this year on Jan. 17, and all events take place at Highline’s Des Moines campus at 2400 S. 240th St.

Before then, Federal Way’s Diversity Commission will host a free Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC). The theme for the performances that day is “His Dream, Your Voice, Our Community.” There will also be a food and clothing drive in the PAEC parking lot with the help of the Multi-Service Center held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Highline’s event kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 17, with a keynote address by Seattle University Assistant Professor Dr. Paige Gardner from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mt. Constance/Olympus meeting space, building 8. A workshop with Gardner proceeds there from 1 to 1:45 p.m., and the day concludes with a presentation on the legacy of Dr. King from 2:30 to 4 p.m. by Highline’s Global Student Ambassadors.

The following Wednesday, Dr. Robert Jensen will deliver a virtual talk on the writings and life of Dr. King and the present-day struggle to handle ecological crises. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. over Zoom. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., guest panelists will present on the role of local businesses in contributing to community growth, unity and resilience at the Mt. Constance / Olympus space.

Finally, on Thursday, the iBuild Bridges Foundation will perform a 45-minute concert, including original compositions and songs featuring messages in support of diversity and inclusion. It will be followed by a 45-minte presentation by Music Director Eduardo Mendonça on “The Art of Inclusion While Having Fun.” It all takes place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. at Mt. Townsend, building 8.

For more details, visit ccie.highline.edu/programs/mlk-week.