RIPON, Wis. - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of harmonious co-existence between races and beliefs remains unfulfilled, but very much alive at Ripon College. A week’s worth of events honoring the man and his legacy kicks off Jan. 21, highlighted by a keynote from acclaimed writer/activist damali ayo at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 in the Great Hall of Harwood Memorial Union. The event is free and open to the public.

ayo (lowercase intentional) is best known for her controversial 2005 book How to Rent a Negro, which explores the commoditization of race and the interactions between blacks and whites in society. She travels extensively as a speaker, presenter and coach, promoting fresh dialogue on race and practical solutions for organizations and communities alike.

The full week’s events include the following:

• Monday, Jan. 21: Celebration Lunch
  Soul food for lunch in the Commons over the regular lunch period. (11:30-1:30)
  
• Tuesday, Jan. 22: Poetry Reading
  Over the Golden Hour (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), selections from black poets will be read by students. Warm chocolate/blonde brownies will be provided.
  
• Wednesday, Jan. 23: Straight Talk
  Popular speaker Quay Hanna will open, then moderate a frank discussion focused on this year’s theme, “Race, Gender and Politics” (5 p.m., Heritage Room, Commons).
  
• Thursday,. Jan. 24: Keynote
  damali ayo, writer/activist (7 p.m., Great Hall, Harwood Union)
  
• Friday, Jan. 25: Celebration Cake
  Large cake for MLK with his photo at the “Chef’s Creation Station” in the Commons over the normal lunch period.
  
  Volunteer contingent will travel to Chicago to help the Feed My Starving Children project.
  
• Sunday, Jan. 27: Nondenominational Worship Service
  President David C. Joyce will be the guest pastor (1 p.m., United Congregational Church)

For more information on any of these events, visit www.ripon.edu or call John Kruse at 748-8112.

About Ripon College
Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon’s liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has been recognized as a “best value” and “Best 361 College” by The Princeton Review, a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s, and among the 160 best schools in the nation by Colleges of Distinction. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.

 
damali ayo