WWU gathers for candlelight vigil Thursday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

A crowd of Western Washington University students, faculty, staff and community gathered in Red Square on Thursday, Jan. 13, for a candlelight vigil in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

After listening to King's "I Have a Dream" speech in Red Square, the crowd moved into the Viking Union for a community panel, reception and community fair.

Other MLK Day events:

  • Alderwood Elementary School, Jan. 14: WWU student volunteers are needed to read books to classes at Alderwood Elementary School in the morning on Friday the 14th. Exact times TBA.
  • Bellingham Boys and Girls Club, Jan. 14: WWU students will read and lead activities and discussions with kids of all ages at the Boys and Girls Club from 4 to 6 p.m. Volunteer creativity is welcome! If you have ideas for activities related to Dr. King's message, get in touch.
  • Human Rights Conference, Jan. 15: The theme this year is "All Together Now: Connecting the Dots for Progressive Change in Whatcom County." View the poster or visit the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force website for more information.
  • Taking Root Documentary, Jan. 20: 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Viking Union Room 552. In 1977, Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai of Kenya suggested rural women plant trees to address problems stemming from a degraded environment. Under her leadership, their tree-planting grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, defend human rights and promote democracy. Join us for this documentary to learn more and hear about the CSL's study abroad program in Kenya.
Western senior Lahaji Thomas helps the crowd light their candles during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. candlelight vigil; an event co-sponsored by the Ethnic Student Center and the Minority Employee Council, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 in Red Square. Photo by
Western senior Lahaji Thomas helps the crowd light their candles during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. candlelight vigil; an event co-sponsored by the Ethnic Student Center and the Minority Employee Council, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 in Red Square. Photo by
Western senior Lahaji Thomas helps the crowd light their candles during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. candlelight vigil; an event co-sponsored by the Ethnic Student Center and the Minority Employee Council, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 in Red Square. Photo by