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By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent

In a combined effort of the Ark City Human Relations Board, USD 470 and Cowley County Community College, a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration has been planned for 4 p.m. Jan. 20, in the Brown Center on the campus of Cowley College.

This year's theme, "Remember, Celebrate and Act," was designed such that each word represents a different function.

Coordinated through Sue Saia, dean of student life at Cowley College, and Jan Voss, associate superintendent of USD 470, the basic idea behind this project was that teaching students in the classroom would sift information to parents.

"We're reaching not only the students, but also the parents through the kids by our efforts," said Bruce Watson, athletic coordinator and minority counselor at Cowley College.

According to Watson, in a round-table discussion, organizers figured out the best ways to accomplish their goals for the event.

A reception in the Wright Room of the Brown Center will conclude the program.

"The entire event is important, especially to its creators," said Watson. "We see the event as a way to teach students and educate them on the struggle for civil rights."

The diversity education provided will allow students to go out into the world and build a better world, said Watson. Especially here in the United States where diversity is so prevalent.

"We have freedom - freedom of thought, freedom of religion, that's unique, and we're diverse," he said.