Even though Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has passed, the University continues to celebrate his life and work.
The annual MLK Interfaith Program and Award Ceremony, which will take place this evening at 6 p.m. in Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall, is part of Penn's two-week-long "Commemorative Symposium on Social Change" designed to honor King.
The program is a free event sponsored in part by the University Office of the Chaplain. It will honor the spirit of King's message by presenting awards to faculty, students and community members whose lives and contributions embody King's ideals.
The agenda for tonight also includes performances by the African Drum and Dance group, the New Spirit of Penn Choir and Jewish a capella group The Shabbatones. Additionally, civil rights activist Dolores Huerta will give the keynote speech.
According to Charles Howard, the associate chaplain, Huerta will address her audience about themes related to the life and ideals of Martin Luther King, as well as share her own experiences and work.
Huerta is a grassroots organizer, civil rights activist and president of the Dolores Huerta foundation, a non-profit organization which aims to develop communities striving to attain social justice.
Huerta, who will become the first Latin American woman to speak at the event, also co-founded the National Farm Workers Association along with American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.
Howard said he is excited to have Huerta participate in the program.
"She is truly one of those world-class figures who has positively influenced the world," he said, adding that Huerta has "lived an amazing life, and I would love for the students and community to hear about it."
Howard explained that the program is meant to be an "interfaith and intercultural event."
The program will be followed by a reception with free food and opportunity for conversation.
While on campus today, Huerta will also take part in a luncheon with Penn students at noon at the Fireside Room of the ARCH Building.
