Ball State's observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Jan. 21 kicks off Unity Week, sponsored by Ball State's Multicultural Center. This is the first year Ball State is observing the day as an official university holiday. No classes will be held and university offices will be closed.

The Rev. Bernice King speaks at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Emens Auditorium. Prior to the talk, the Voices of Triumph Gospel Choir will march from LaFollette Field to the auditorium.

Other Unity Week activities include:

"Remembering Our Heroes" candlelight vigil Jan. 23 at LaFollette Field following the men’s basketball game.

"Campus Discussion on Race Relations at Ball State University" at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Cardinal Hall of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center.

Unity Pageant, sponsored by Ball State's Black Student Association, at 8 p.m. Jan. 26 in Pruis Hall. Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the door.

In addition, Ball State's Student Voluntary Services (SVS) is sponsoring a food drive Jan. 21 through Jan. 25 in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. SVS is also sponsoring the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Read Out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Kennedy Library on McGalliard Road.

Ball State students are also encouraged to participate in Muncie's community observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Ball State's Student Association is sponsoring MITS shuttle service from campus to downtown Muncie for the day's activities.

By Anthony Barker, Communications Manager