News
Portland State University and the Multicultural Center will host a full week of events celebrating and commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. "Chronicling his international influence" is this year's theme, with lectures, service projects, films and forums all dedicated to his lasting memory. PSU also welcomes Public Broadcasting Service's Foreign Exchange host/producer Daljit Dhaliwal, as the "Living Legacy" guest lecturer. A veteran broadcaster of fifteen years, Ms. Dhaliwal is a familiar face to television viewers across the world, including the United States and Britain. Among other prestigious positions, she has worked as an anchor for CNN International and as a reporter and host for BBC World News.
Media inquiries should be directed to Kerri Griesbeck at 503-725-8794 or kgries@pdx.edu.
MLK Commemoration Events at Portland State University
"A Day On, Not a Day Off"
Monday, January 18, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Concordia University
This is a longstanding PSU Student Leaders for Service recognition of Dr. King's civic-mindedness through a series of volunteer community service projects. This year, join over 1,000 students from 11 colleges and universities in the Portland metropolitan region for the first collaborative day of service celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A morning rally at 9:00 at Concordia University will be followed by service projects from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. throughout North and Northeast Portland. Lunch and transportation from PSU to Concordia (and back) will be provided. For more information and to register, visit http://www.pdx.edu/cae/slsevents.html
A Conversation with Oregon Black Leaders
Tuesday, January 19, 12 p.m., Portland State Multicultural Center (MCC) 228 Smith Memorial Student Union
This roundtable brings together a representative panel of the state's African American leaders in politics, business and higher education for much-needed face time with students and staff. The gathering will consist of a mix of retrospectives around civil rights and new pathways for reason and social equity.
Black Male Collegians: Networking for Success!
Wednesday, January 20, time TBA, Portland State Multicultural Center (MCC) 228 Smith Memorial Student Union
Join Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. as they present a vital and timely opportunity for African American males attending PSU or a local sister college to meet and confer about transitions and campus climate issues. This event will also examine the critical shortage of college-bound males of color and explore ways to help remedy this imbalance.
Student Interactive Session
Thursday, January 21, 12 p.m., Portland State Multicultural Center (MCC) 228 Smith Memorial Student Union
An open forum for PSU students to discuss the impact of citizen action and volunteer service on local, national, and international issues. Join Public Broadcasting's Daljit Dhaliwal, PSU's Student Leaders for Service, Portland community members, and PSU students for a discussion of the possibility of global solidarity through service.
Evening Lecture and Performance
Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m., Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom (1825 SW Broadway)
The traditional marquee event of the week features our distinguished keynote speaker, Public Broadcasting's anchorwoman Daljit Dhaliwal. Highlighting Dr. King's international pedigree, this lecture will also chronicle his many influences and impact on people and nations beyond the US.
A choral and music performance will add luster to the evening's proceedings. Admission is $10 for the general public, free with any valid student ID. Call 503-725-3307 for more information.
Documentary Film Series
Friday, January 22, 6 p.m., Portland State Multicultural Center (MCC) 228 Smith Memorial Student Union.
From producer/director Thomas Coulter, The Ku Klux Klan in Oregon: 1920-1923, this film exposes the brief period when the Klan influenced politics in the State as their membership grew to more than 5,000 members from Tillamook to La Grande. The documentary explains in detail why the Klan was successful in recruiting members, and how the group was able to promote its racial and religious agenda. The film also covers the group's demise, the aftermath, and reasons why it could not also maintain its power and direction over local business and politics.
Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center provides a forum for collaborative cultural, educational and social experiences at PSU and beyond. Our vision is to bring together students, faculty, staff and community to promote equality and social justice.
About Portland State University
Portland State University (PSU) serves as a center of opportunity for over 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in Portland, Oregon, one of the nation's most livable cities, the University's innovative approach to education combines academic rigor in the classroom with field-based experiences through internships and classroom projects with community partners. The University's 49-acre downtown campus exhibits Portland State's commitment to sustainability with green buildings, while many of the 213 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. PSU's motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the City," inspires the teaching and research of an accomplished faculty whose work and students span the globe.
