'Dream Week' encourages community strength through cooperation

Pennsylvania College of Technology students and employees are invited to participate in a series of virtual events and community outreach to mark Dream Week, the annual observance that honors the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King through the national celebration of his Jan. 15 birthday.

"The theme for this year’s Dream Week is 'Better Together,' focusing on how we can support one another during these trying times," said Sammie L. Davis, Penn College's coordinator of diversity and student engagement. "In addition to the events, we are encouraging folks to give back by making donations at local nonprofits during the week. The pandemic has really highlighted the need that already existed in Williamsport, so what better time to give back than during Dream Week!"



The schedule of events – a joint effort by Penn College, Lycoming College, STEP AmeriCorps and the Beloved Community Council in Williamsport – follows:

Peace Walk
Monday, Jan. 18
10:45 a.m.  (virtual platform)
Participate in the annual Peace Walk from the comfort of your own home! At 10:45 a.m., Pastor Raphael Mnkandhla from City Church will share remarks, followed by the walk at 11 a.m. Both the remarks and the Peace Walk will be livestreamed on the STEP AmeriCorps Facebook page. People are encouraged to walk "with" organizers at 11 a.m. in their own neighborhoods or at another time during the week. Those planning to participate in person can register for the Peace Walk through STEP. Others can share their walk on social media and connect to others using the hashtags #WilliamsportDreamWeek2021, #BetterTogether and #PeaceWalk.

American Red Cross blood drive
Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 19-20
Penn's Inn (Bush Campus Center, second floor)
Donate during this community blood drive in support of Penn College Benefiting THON! Call 1-800-redcross or visit Red Cross Blood Services to schedule an appointment.

Dream Week Keynote: April Reign
Thursday, Jan. 21
7 p.m. (virtual platform)
As the creator of the viral hashtag-turned-movement #OscarsSoWhite, April Reign has been challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood and beyond since 2015. Her name continues to be synonymous with historic change in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the results of which are reverberating throughout the entertainment industry and will do so for decades to come.

This event will be held over Zoom.

A list of items needed by local nonprofits, arranged by organization: Donation items