A day of celebration and learning to better understand others’ perspectives will mark Hesston College’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Day events on Monday, Jan. 15.

Hesston students will have the whole day off from regularly scheduled classes to participate in a campus-wide workshop, “Tools for the Journey,” along with faculty and staff, which will better equip them with practical life skills, like effectively communicating with others from differing backgrounds and viewpoints.

The public is invited to join the campus community at 1 p.m., in Hesston Mennonite Church for a special chapel service that will celebrate Dr. King’s life and work through music and speakers. Chapel presentations include:

• Student reflections on the “What are you doing for others” program they will attend at Hutchinson Community College on Jan. 14.
• Ben Woodward-Breckbill, associate pastor at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton, Kan., will share “Accepting the Invitation,” a kingdom perspective on privilege and racism based on Luke 14.
• Dr. Jessica Klanderud, history professor at Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.), will speak about how King’s non-violence was necessary during the Civil Rights movement and continues to be necessary today.

“As we celebrate MLK Day at Hesston College, we must keep Dr. King’s broad legacy in mind,” said President Joe Manickam. “Though the African-American community birthed his legacy, that legacy now carries the hope for many around the world. We must celebrate alongside our African-American sisters and brothers who carry his name like no other can while recognizing the global impact Dr. King continues to have around the world.”