Focus Session II
2:00-2:50

Selections from the Brauer Museum of Art’s Permanent Collection (Repeated in Session III)
Presenter: Gregg Hertzlieb, Brauer Museum of Art
Brauer Museum of Art, VUCA

The Brauer Museum will display works by artists who address issues of justice, cruelty and tolerance from diverse ethnic and gender perspectives. During each session, the museum director will give a lecture that explains each work in depth.

A New Time, A New Voice
Presenter: Martin Erhardt, Department of Chemistry
Mueller 01

In this session a video detailing the life of Dr. King will be presented. Following the video, participants will be given the opportunity to discuss what they consider to be some of the important shaping parts of Dr. King’s life, who he was, and what his life means to us today.

Film and Discussion of Ernest Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying
Presenter: Kathleen Mullen, Department of English
Mueller 02

Come see the film of A Lesson Before Dying, the story of two black men and the women who love them as they struggle--each in his own way--toward manhood. The film will be shown uninterrupted during the first and second sessions (1:00-2:50) with discussion to follow.

In this session, participants will be introduced to an overview of passages in the Bible dealing with racial equality and ways to make them a part of our everyday patterns of living. In so doing, we will be examining how our dreams and hopes align with God’s and then how to make these dreams become reality.

Nonviolence in the Middle East
Presenter: Rev. Thom Saffold, International Solidarity Movement
Mueller 05

A speaker will address the topic of nonviolent vigilance as a tool for eliminating inequality. Following the speaker’s comments, group discussion will be centered on how the hopes and dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. will require the efforts and actions of all if they are to be realized.

The Lunch Date
Presenters: Christ College Faculty Discussion Leaders, Christ College
Mueller 114

The Lunch Date (1989), a 10-minute film by director Adam Davidson, invites explorations of perceptions and realities of race, gender and class. Christ College faculty members will lead participants in a discussion of this short, provocative film.

Poetry Reading: Ideas of MLK Jr.
Presenter: Char Prieto, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Mueller Commons

In this session, participants will be reading poetry relating to the philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Themes will focus on peace, love, tolerance and understanding as paths to the realization of the hopes and dreams of Dr. King.

Service: A Call to Action (Repeated in Session III)
Presenter: Stacy Stoldorf, Coordinator of Student Activities and Volunteer Programs
Mueller Refectory

Do you sometimes wonder what your life will be about? Have you felt called to serve but are unsure where, and how to get involved? Come hear from current student leaders who are actively engaged in our community and how it has changed their lives. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for a special service project. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to explore and reflect on how service can enrich your life.

My Country, My World: Visions for the Future (Repeated in Session III)
Presenters: Elise Harbin, Julie Jones, and Becky Shelton, INTERLINK Language Center
Union Crusader Room

A panel of international students from INTERLINK Language Center will present and discuss their visions for their countries and how these visions intersect with their hopes for the future of the world community. We hope that both panel participants and session members will come to share their personal visions and hopes for our world. A variety of formats such as poetry, art, and spoken word will be encouraged.

Violence Kills
Presenters: Mario Bustos and Nick Oelke, Valparaiso Mennonite Church, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Union Squire Room

This session will explore how the Bible and other nonviolent writings can be used to help us restore our communities. As Martin Luther King wrote in Stride Toward Freedom, “The cross is the expression of the length to which God will go to restore broken community ... He who works against community is working against the whole of creation.” Violence only breeds more death and distraction, but if we follow the teachings of our creator we can build a bridge towards a lasting community for all.

Amnesty International: Human Rights Issues Throughout the World
Presenter: Eve Bottando, Amnesty International
VUCA Lobby

Members of Amnesty International will explore six different areas of concern regarding human rights violations throughout the world. Emphasis will be on finding out what actions we can take as citizens to end human rights abuses.

A Taste of Diversity (Repeated in Session III)
Presenters: Kacy Mullen, Carrie Gross, Rachel Knoke, Student Social Work Organization
VUCA 1412

This session will welcome all age groups, including children. “Diversity Beads” will be used to illustrate the impact of stereotypes, and discussion will focus on the connection between stereotypes and our own dreams and goals.

Buffalo Soldiers: 1866-World War II (Repeated in Session III)
Presenter: Tom Beebe
VUCA 1409

The Civil War had ended and the slaves were now free. A unique group of men would be formed and become later known as “Buffalo Soldiers.” Although most of them had the skills to be farmers, they wanted something more, and that came when the United States reestablished two black cavalries and four black infantries. Learn about the history of these newly freed men who fought bravely for their country in spite of severe hardship and discrimination.

Appreciation of Asian American Integration
Presenter: Asian American Association
VUCA 1416

The immigration of Asian Americans is a growing topic in today’s society. This session focuses on the history of this immigration and its connection to the VU community. The presentation promises to show how Asian American integration has brought about dreams, hopes and actions for the past, present and future.

Nonviolent Resistance and the Movement for Social Change
Presenter: Wendy Shea, Amnesty International, VUSL Chapter
VUCA 1420

This workshop will evaluate the history of nonviolent resistance as a method to further social change, exploring the tenets of nonviolent resistance as well as nonviolent training. Learn how MLK’s work and his commitment to nonviolent social change are particularly relevant in light of the U.S. war on terrorism.

A Ministry of Dance
Presenters: The First Evangelical Lutheran Church Dance Ministry, Harvey, IL
VUCA Theatre

The First Evangelical Lutheran Church Dance Ministry was organized in July 1999 under the leadership of church member and noted dancer, instructor and choreographer Gordette A. Brent. Their liturgical dance repertoire includes Biblical stories, contemporary praise, and cultural/thematic presentations. Join them for a performance and discussion of their dance ministry.

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