LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Helping refugees, fighting violence and providing tools for future community leaders are all part of Peace and Justice Week 2012, a series of events organized by the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville to promote understanding and compassion among community groups.
Events that are free and open to the public during the Oct. 22-27 program are:
- “Anne Braden: Southern Patriot” – a documentary about Louisvillian Anne Braden, who supported civil rights when the movement was unpopular among white Southerners, Oct. 22, Floyd Theatre, Swain Student Activities Center, Belknap Campus, 5:30 p.m.
- One Million Bones – a public art project to raise awareness about the millions of people affected by crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Burma. Every bone made for the project raises $1 for CARE, an international humanitarian organization, to help those in need. Art supplies will be available on site for those wishing to participate, Oct. 23, back of Ekstrom Library, Belknap Campus, 5 p.m. -7 p.m.
- Fleeing Home, Finding Home – local refugees share their personal stories Oct. 23, Chao Auditorium, Ekstrom Library, 7 p.m.
- Power Shift: Real Skills for Social Change – a two-day workshop led by the Rev. Al Herring to give community leaders and activists the tools they need to inspire, lead and organize, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $10 donation of $10 is suggested for this event. Register by calling Mikal Forbush at 502-852-1493 or maforb01@louisville.edu. Registration deadline is Oct. 25.
- Operation Dignity – a clothing and household items drive to help local refugees on behalf of Kentucky Refugee Ministries. The program features donation boxes at Louisville area locations and culminates Nov. 10 with an 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. “Hello Neighbor! Day of Dignity/Day of Compassion” at the Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St. People bringing donations to the Muhammad Ali Center Nov. 10 will get free center admission.
For more information about Peace and Justice Week and other events at the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice, see http://louisville.edu/aliinstitute or contact Erika Stith at Erika.stith@louisville.edu and 502-852-6372.