University of Houston schedules week of events inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.

The University of Houston plans to honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. in January with a series of events entitled “Breaking Barriers, Strengthening Communities.”

All events, which will take place between Jan. 23-27 on campus and in the community, are free and open to the public. The series of events follows from King’s messages of unity and peace.

The first event, on Jan. 23, is the “MLK Day of Service.” Members of the Cougar family will head to Houston Food Bank and assist in sorting food donations.

On Jan. 25, the university will host a screening and discussion of “Selma.” The award-winning film will be shown in the Student Center Theater at 6 p.m. Following the movie, students, staff and faculty will discuss it.

The MLK Commemorative Celebration, featuring the Rev. William Lawson and poet Se7en, will take place on Jan. 26. Lawson, a local civil rights activist, will talk about King’s legacy. Se7en’s inspirational poetry will complement the experience. The event will start at 4 p.m.

“Social Justice: Then and Now,” a panel discussion on the development of social justice efforts over the past 50 years, will take place at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 in the Student Center Ballroom.