The Right Rev. William Swing, founder of the United Religions Initiative, will be the featured speaker at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Lihue Neighborhood Center, 3353 Eono St.
The Right Rev. William Swing, founder of the United Religions Initiative, will be the featured speaker at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Lihue Neighborhood Center, 3353 Eono St.
The public is invited to the free event sponsored by the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai. The theme is “Peace or Fear, What’s in Your Heart?”
The introductory speaker will be Kauai resident Ishaq Dawkins, who uses the last name Mohammed, a representative of Islam and a member of the Interfaith Roundtable, as well as a former professional wrestler.
The celebration also will offer a free lunch and music by Michael and Carrie Fox. After the meal, the audience will be invited to participate in small group discussions to share the meaning of King’s legacy in their personal lives. Annaleah Atkinson, conflict resolution leader and a columnist for the The Garden Island newspaper, will organize the breakout sessions.
Swing served as the Episcopal Bishop of California from 1980 until his retirement in 2006. In that capacity, he was a national and international leader in response to the AIDS crisis; co-founded Episcopal Community Services to address San Francisco’s homeless problem; and co-founded Community Bank of the Bay to support local businesses and the economy.
This year’s King Day also marks the 11th anniversary of the formation of the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai, a monthly gathering of representatives from faith groups from around the island dedicated to harmony and understanding. Info: IROK Chairman Jeffrey Pears, 634-9992
