Some Echoes people will again be going to the annual MLK Day Conference at Whatcom Community College, hosted by the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn, make connections, and discover how can make a bigger difference.

Info from the website:

The 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Saturday Conference will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Center (235 W. Kellogg Road). This year’s theme is “Working Passionately and Unrelentingly for Justice.” 

The annual conference will feature skill-building workshops offered by community members, including K-12 and college students and educators, anti-racist community organizers, and more. Bellingham School District will be providing continuing education hours for teachers. 

Two administrators from Western Washington University will keynote this year’s conference. Dr. Sabah Randhawa, president of WWU since last summer, will speak about his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Dr. Karen Dade, Associate Dean for Woodring College of Education, will give the afternoon keynote speech. For over 20 years, Dr. Dade has focused her research on combating racism in schools. She has been involved in over a dozen committees and organizations that focus on diversity and social justice.

The schedule of workshops is available here (subject to change): http://www.whrtf.org/2017-workshops.html

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Light refreshments provided throughout the morning. Food vendors will be on site with lunch options for sale.

This event is free and open to the public of all ages, and students and educators are encouraged to attend.