News Releases

December 29, 2010
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, APR
Executive Director of
Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 360-992-2921
Email: bkerr@clark.edu

 

Rebuilding Hope

Rebuilding Hope graphic

Through learning and service, Clark College 
will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
with a full day of events on Wednesday, Jan. 19
    

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once asked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  Community service has become the focus of the annual holiday honoring Dr. King, and it will be the focus of Clark College’s day-long observance on Wednesday, Jan. 19.

The observance, called “Rebuilding Hope,” will begin with the presentation of the documentary “A Village Called Versailles” in the Penguin Student Lounge from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Located in the flood-devastated area of eastern New Orleans, Versailles is described as home to the densest ethnic Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam.  After Hurricane Katrina, the community faced what producers have called “immense garbage piles and the shocking discovery of a toxic landfill planned in their neighborhood.”  The documentary describes how the community “fought back, turning a devastating disaster into a catalyst for change and a chance to build a better future.”  Additional information about the film is available at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/village-called-versailles/.

During the afternoon, the focus will turn to service. Community members are invited to join Clark volunteers at 1 p.m. at the Clark County Habitat ReStore, 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.  Information about the organization is available at www.clarkcountyhabitatrestore.com.

An evening program will be held in Clark’s Gaiser Student Center.  Following refreshments at 5:30 p.m., award-winning writer S. Renee Mitchell will provide the keynote address at 6:00 p.m.  Her presentation will be followed by a brief concert by Vancouver’s Community A.M.E. Zion Church.

Information about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is available at http://mlkday.gov/

All events are free and open to the public.  Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.  The Penguin Union Building and Gaiser Student Center are located on the east side of Fort Vancouver Way between E. McLoughlin Blvd. and E. Fourth Plain Blvd.  Driving directions and parking maps are available on the college’s website at www.clark.edu/maps.

Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at (360) 992-2314 or (360) 992-2835 (TTY), or send an e-mail message to tjacobs@clark.edu two weeks in advance of the events.

About S. Renee Mitchell

S. Renee MitchellAn award-winning writer with more than 25 years of newspaper experience, S. Renee Mitchell is also an MBA-trained project manager, self-taught graphic/multi-media artist, playwright, actress and published author.

While a columnist at The Oregonian, she was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize. Mitchell has authored three books of poetry, recorded two spoken word CDs, all with original music.

She has written two plays and is currently writing a jazz opera, which will debut in February.  She is also a co-founder of the Portland-based Healing Roots Center, providing culturally specific services to black women who are experiencing domestic violence.

 

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