Description

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once asked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Community service has become the focus of the annual holiday honoring Dr. King, and it will be the focus of Clark College's day-long observance on Wednesday, Jan. 19. The observance, called ''Rebuilding Hope,'' will begin with the presentation of the documentary ''A Village Called Versailles'' in the Penguin Student Lounge from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Located in the flood-devastated area of eastern New Orleans, Versailles is described as home to the densest ethnic Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam. After Hurricane Katrina, the community faced what producers have called ''immense garbage piles and the shocking discovery of a toxic landfill planned in their neighborhood.'' The documentary describes how the community ''fought back, turning a devastating disaster into a catalyst for change and a chance to build a better future.'' Additional information about the film is available at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/village-called-versailles/. During the afternoon, the focus will turn to service. Community members are invited to join Clark volunteers at 1 p.m. at the Clark County Habitat ReStore, 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Information about the organization is available at www.clarkcountyhabitatrestore.com. An evening program will be held in Clark's Gaiser Student Center. Following refreshments at 5:30 p.m., award-winning writer S. Renee Mitchell will provide the keynote address at 6:00 p.m. Her presentation will be followed by a brief concert by Vancouver's Community A.M.E. Zion Church. Information about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is available at http://mlkday.gov/ All events are free and open to the public.