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The 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, "What Would He Say? The Politics of Social Change," will be held Jan. 22 through 24. Co-sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center and the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, the following events are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Jan. 22
"What Would He Say if He Were Alive Today?" 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Cross Cultural Center

Opening ceremony and breakfast will include a panel discussion on how Martin Luther King Jr. might view the country's current state of affairs. Speakers include David Meyer, associate professor of sociology; Katherine Tate, associate professor of political science; and the Rev. Mark Whitlock, Christ Our Redeemer Church. Fred Lipscomb, director of Campus Village housing, will moderate.


"Leadership in the 21st Century," 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Cross Cultural Center

This workshop seeks to define the attributes of a leader and to examine the significance of effective leadership at ethnic and social levels. Speakers include Juan Lara, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment services; Douglas Haynes, associate professor of history; Charles O'Connell, sociology lecturer; and Christina Woo, social sciences librarian. Mohammed Cato, coordinator of the McNair Scholars Program, will moderate.


"Getting to Know Martin Luther King Jr.," Noon to 1:30 p.m., Science Library Interactive Learning Center, Room 166

This interactive research session will focus on becoming acquainted with the man and the activist.


"Working Toward Equality: Improving Health Care Accessibility for All," 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Cross Cultural Center

What are the racial discrepancies among minority groups in our health care system? Britt Rios-Ellis, professor of health sciences and director of Latino Healthcare Professionals at Cal State Long Beach, will address issues of health care access and offer potential solutions to the disparities.


Living History Museum presentations, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Cross Cultural Center

View the past century through the eyes of civil rights activists, as events that have redefined America's views of equality and social justice are examined. Students will give oral interpretations by reciting monologues and poetry from various civil rights leaders.



Wednesday, Jan. 23
"White at UCI?" 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Crescent Bay Rooms A and B, Student Center

Participants will discuss how white Americans of European ancestry fit into UCI's campus population. Students, faculty and staff will explore the challenges and opportunities related to the campus' diversity. Speakers include Eric Haas and Jessica Drew from the counseling center.


"This Far By Faith: The UCI Faith Community Speaks," 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Cross Cultural Center

Members of the UCI faith community will gather to discuss renewed spiritual paths following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.


"The Dream Is Still a Dream," with keynote speaker Yolanda King, 7 p.m., Crystal Cove Auditorium

Committed to using her talents to affect social and personal change, Martin Luther King Jr.'s eldest child has combined her involvement in human rights organizations and causes with artistic pursuits. She states, "While it is imperative to actively challenge the forces that deny human beings their right to a decent life ... one must stimulate and alter the hearts and minds of both the privileged as well as those who have been too long denied. Within the arts lies this power."


Thursday, Jan. 24
Traditional march and rally, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., begins at the Irvine University Center fountain across from the campus. March will end at the Student Center with an address from closing speaker, the Rev. Ronald Wright of New Vision Church of Jesus Christ.

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Contact:
Lisa Stieler
(949) 824-7687

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE: A TOP-10 PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

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