Drake will join a collaborative community service project on the King Holiday (Monday, Jan. 19). Nearly 20 Drake students will team with students from Des Moines Area Community College, Grand View University, Simpson College and AIB College of Business, as well as some local groups including middle school students from Hiatt Middle School and members of of groups including the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, Shalom Zone, United Way and Wells Fargo, among others.
The activities will run from 2 to 7 p.m., beginning with a gathering at Grand View, an hour or two of community service projects and then a return to Grand View to discuss and reflect on the experience. The service projects have not been finalized at this point, but may include cleaning and painting Mosaic Group Housing, stuffing envelopes for the Fort Des Moines Museum or baking cookies to distribute at homeless shelters.
The University’s celebration, “Remember, Celebrate, Act! An Evening with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” will begin at 7 p.m. in Parents Hall in Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave. A reception will follow the presentation in the Upper Gallery of Olmsted Center.
The presentation, “My Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” will address the historical relevance of the nation’s progress in democracy. In addition, Williams will chart the course for the advancement of economic empowerment and human relations.
For seven years, Williams has traveled to more than 30 states, speaking to more than 10,000 students, faculty and staff.