Patrisse Cullors, a founder of Black Lives Matter, will speak at GVSU on Jan. 20.

Grand Valley State University’s Community Service Learning Center is putting a broader spin on this year’s service day commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s work for civil rights. For one, it has an updated name, MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity. Traditionally, the event has had the goal of educating students about the Civil Rights movement and inspiring them to serve their communities in the spirit of social change. In addition, students will have opportunity to experience solidarity through some of the service projects being offered.

Our Kitchen Table is offering one of those opportunities. One group of Grand Valley students involved in the day’s activities will travel to OKT’s offices at Garfield Park where they will engage in a three-hour Food Justice class. OKT’s goal is to raise awareness of the Food Justice movement and enlist students to play an active role in it.

The MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity is one event in a week-long commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Patrisse Cullors the Los Angeles-based social activist who, with two other people, started BlackLivesMatter in 2013 will give a presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus, which will be simulcast to an audience in the Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Touré, well-known author and social commentator, will present the keynote speech on Monday Jan. 18 in the Fieldhouse on the Allendale Campus. Click here for a full schedule of events.