Lee University will host “A Simple Dream for a Complex World,” a series of events beginning Monday, Jan. 16, commemorating the work, theology, and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The events, hosted by the university’s Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations, will consist of special lectures, chapels, discussions, and other gatherings.

“We invite everyone to join us for this powerful week of learning, listening, participating, and serving as we focus on the importance of the legacy and the relevancy of King’s dream this year and always,” said Gloria Scott-Richmond, director of Racial and Ethnic Relations at Lee.

The commemorative week will begin with the MLK Jr. Unity March on Monday morning through downtown Cleveland. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 8:45 in front of the Courthouse for the 9 a.m. march, which will be followed by the Cleveland Unity Fellowship at Broad Street United Methodist Church.

That afternoon, an employee panel will be held in the Humanities Center Squires Recital Hall from 1:25-2:15 p.m. and a student panel at 2:30-3:20 p.m. in Humanities Center, Room 201. Both conversations will focus on King’s “simple dream in today’s complex world.” The Humanities Center is located on Paul Conn Parkway.

On Monday evening at 6, Lee professors Dr. Mary McCampbell and Dr. Ruthie Wienk, along with the Evangelistic Singers will present “Music of the Civil Rights Era,” which will take place in the Johnson Lecture Hall, also located in the Humanities Center.

The celebration of King and his life’s work will continue on Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. Preston Williams II, senior pastor of Gateway Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Williams will speak during Chapel in the Conn Center, addressing critical issues affecting every aspect of human, social, and spiritual development. Williams has traveled nationally and internationally for over 40 years speaking in churches, colleges, civic organizations, and businesses. There will also be an evening conversation with Williams at 6 in Johnson Lecture Hall.

Lobby Lunchtime, which takes place Wednesday at noon in the School of Business lobby, will feature local and regional business leaders who will discuss having a simple dream for a complex business world.

On Thursday morning at 10:45, there will be a special chapel service, Table of Brotherhood, with Lee employees and students.

Evening Conversations with Clevelanders will welcome community members Lillian Gaines, Helen Miller, and Dr. Terrell Littrell, who will share their stories about life before and after desegregation. The discussion begins Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Walker Lecture Hall, located in the Science and Math Complex.

The week’s events will conclude with “Songs and Stories,” a sing-a-long tribute to the life and music of Andrae Crouch, on Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. in The Lee Chapel.

All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required for all events, except the march and chapel services.

“We look forward to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with our Lee family and Cleveland community,” said Scott-Richmond.

To find out more about Williams, visit mygatewaychurchfl.org/our-pastor.

To register or for more information about MLK Jr. Week, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/ethnic-relations/, email [email protected], or call (423) 614-8238.