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| Bernard Lafayette Jr. |
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| Clayborne Carson |
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| Frederic Luskin |
Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of nonviolent protest and activism has inspired generations to follow his path in promoting peace.
One of those who stood with King during the civil rights movement was Bernard Lafayette Jr., an activist, minister and educator who was involved with the Freedom Rides, Selma Movement and Alabama Voter Registration Project.
Lafayette, director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, will discuss nonviolent methods for solving social problems at Cal Poly Pomona on July 19.
He is one of three guest speakers hosted by the Ahimsa Center. The speaker events are open to the public and are part of the center's two-week summer institute on nonviolence and social change. Teachers and administrators will receive an in-depth understanding of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. during the residential fellowship program July 12-25.
“We will focus on how we can elevate humanity and improve ourselves through the practice of nonviolence,” says Tara Sethia, Ahisma Center director. “We will ask 'How can what Gandhi and King did be adopted in today's community?' “
The institute will empower educators, especially in K-12, to teach nonviolence. Nonviolence education may be used to ease tensions from violent surroundings, discrimination, class and other conflicts, according to Sethia.
On July 18, Clayborne Carson, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, will present a lecture called “King's Journey to Gandhian Nonviolence” from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Bronco Student Center's Ursa Minor room. The event is free, though registration is required.
Lafayette's workshop, “Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence: Solving Problems in the Community,” will be held July 19 from 2:30 to 6 p.m. in the CLA Building 98. Dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is $40 or $50 at the door if space is available.
Frederic Luskin, director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, will host a dialogue called “Nine Steps to Forgiveness” on July 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Kellogg West Conference Center. This event is free, though registration is required.
To register, e-mail names of attendees and the event to Tara Sethia at tsethia@cpp.edu. For more information, call (909) 869-3868 or visit www.cpp.edu/~ahimsacenter/ahimsa_programs.shtml.