A student-led initiative at 5X社区 commemorated the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. with an event that served families and children a hot meal 鈥 with a side of educational activities.
Flashes Fighting Hunger is a food security initiative powered by Kent State students and volunteers. In January, the organization sponsored a family engagement event at the King Kennedy Community Center in Ravenna. Kent State students, faculty and staff had opportunities to participate in preparing a meal in the Flashes Fighting Hunger Kitchen on campus, located in Tri-Towers, and also to serve meals and lead activities at the King Kennedy Center.
The event connects to 5X社区's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, which celebrates King, his accomplishments and how they resonate today. The university's culture and values use lessons from history 鈥 and its own history to guide the Kent State community in promoting kindness and respect.
Activities at the center were designed to help children learn about King's life and legacy as well as the importance of equity and social justice.
Ja鈥檔iyah Berry, a third-year fashion merchandising major and CommUNITY Lab scholar, said 鈥淚 enjoyed spending time with the kids and getting to know all their personalities. I can鈥檛 wait to go back again.鈥
CommUNITY鈥疞ab is an undergraduate cohort program,鈥痟oused in Community Engaged 尝别补谤苍颈苍驳鈥. The program offers participating students a network of鈥痗oordinated care resources at 5X社区鈥痺hile removing financial, academic, and social-emotional barriers to success.
The CommUNITY Lab scholars will be participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program with kids at the King Kennedy Community Center throughout the spring semester.
Photos provided by Amanda Paulus, senior director, Community Engaged Learning, and Kalena Speicher, a senior political science major working in the Community Engaged Learning offices.