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Volunteer Center Hosts Week of Peace, Hope, and Justice 

The Pepperdine Volunteer Center and the Office of Intercultural Affairs will co-host the annual Week of Peace, Hope, and Justice beginning Monday, Jan. 21, through Friday, Jan. 25 on Pepperdine's Malibu campus. With the theme of "America - A Land of Opportunity," the week's events will focus on issues of injustice within the United States and recognize individuals who strive to create an equitable world for all people.

"We chose the issues of higher education, immigration, and medical care because they are relevant to Pepperdine and the greater Los Angeles community," says student coordinator Sara Ashmore. "The goal of this week is to put a face to these issues by bringing in real people who are struggling with such injustices."

The week kicks off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a screening of Amazing Grace, a film about the life and work of British abolitionist William Wilberforce. A panel discussion featuring the film's producer Ken Wales and School of Law professor Ed Larson will follow. Don Lawrence of Pepperdine's Intercultural Affairs will read from Dr. King's writings.

Other activities throughout the week aim to raise awareness about the ways individuals can help combat issues of inequality. A luncheon and discussion with immigrants from the Malibu Labor Exchange will take place Tuesday, Jan. 22, followed by an evening panel discussion on immigration. Students of Social Action and Justice classes will participate in an "Urban Reality Tour" on Wednesday. To explore the issue of inequality in healthcare, the Michael Moore documentary film Sicko will screen at 10 p.m. on Thursday in Elkins Auditorium. The week will conclude with the all-day filming of a documentary featuring first generation college students at Pepperdine.

For more information on the week's events, please visit the Pepperdine Volunteer Center Web site.