Western Texas College (WTC) will host a series of events next week to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The college’s inaugural weeklong celebration was held in 2018 when a group consisting of Director of Library Services Jennifer Evans, former men’s head basketball coach Andre Owens, English instructor LaVeeda Newsome and her students developed the idea.
“Some people think of Dr. King’s day as just, you know, a day off. It’s one of those Monday holidays,” Newsome said. “Why not turn this into a teachable moment for students? They can learn about various aspects of his legacy and various aspects of his life.”
Because the last two years were so successful, Newsome planned the week-long observance with similar events this year.
On Monday starting at 12:05 p.m., there will be a gathering at WTC’s student center to listen to an excerpt from a speech by Dr. King. Students will then have the opportunity to write their dreams for 2020 on WTC’s Dream Board.
“We are expanding to have an art competition, which we hope will grow, and also the e-waste drive. We’re trying to tap into Dr. King’s holiday being one that’s also known as a national day of service,” Newsome said.
There will be an e-waste disposal container for students to drop off electronic items which are no longer needed, such as cords, old cell phones and tablets for recycling. WTC has also teamed up with Snyder Primary School to place an e-waste container on that campus. The collection will continue through February.
On Tuesday, there will be an awards reception for The Mountaintop Art Competition at 5 p.m at WTC’s College on the Square. The theme for the competition was “Because I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” Students were limited to an 8.5” x 11’ canvas using only original drawings or original computer graphics.
Following the art competition, there will be a distinguished gentlemen’s panel discussion with Snyder Mayor Tony Wofford at 6 p.m. Additional members of the panel are being finalized.
They will answer four core questions about Dr. King and his legacy — what kind of impact has Dr. King had on your life?
How do you think WTC represents Dr. King’s notion of a beloved community? In what ways do you see Dr. King’s legacy in West Texas? And why does MLK Day still matter in 2020?
Newsome said she hopes to have a lively discussion with those present for the panel, and she hopes there will be many members of the community there.
“Hopefully, this year, since we will be having the distinguished gentleman’s panel discussion on the square, even more people will be able to come out,” Newsome said. “It’s a way to maintain and strengthen WTC’s ties with our community and our citizens.”
Two movies will screened in the WTC planetarium, The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306 at 7 p.m. Wednesday and I am MLK Jr. at 7 p.m. Friday.
After each screening, there will be a group discussion.
“(The celebration) has really grown,” Newsome said. “Having new ideas makes it even stronger. It’s really just a positive opportunity for the college and for students to learn more about Dr. King’s legacy, other than what they see on TV.”
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