University News

WIU Organizations to Celebrate MLK Week

January 29, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center (GBCC), Office of Student Engagement (OSE) and Western's All Volunteer Effort (WAVE) are coming together to host a week of meaningful service and engagement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., taking place Monday through Thursday, Feb. 2-5.

The MLK Week of Service invites students to reflect on King's legacy by giving back, learning and building connections through a variety of on- and off-campus opportunities.

Planned activities for the week include:

MLK Scavenger Hunt - noon-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2
Students are encouraged to take part in a campus-wide scavenger hunt featuring yard signs placed around historically Black locations on campus, with the possibility of extending into the Macomb community. The first 4 students to find all 12 MLK Jr. quotes will win a $25 Amazon giftcard. Participants must submit photo proof of themselves with the 12-yard signs. ALL photos must be submitted via Instagram story and participants must tag @WIU_GBCC between 12 pm - 5 pm on Monday, February 2.

MLK Banner Signing & Union Tabling - 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 4-5
The campus community is invited to stop by and sign the MLK banner in the University Union. This activity offers students a moment to reflect, share messages of unity and honor Dr. King's vision.

WAVE Wednesday: On-Campus Volunteer Opportunity - 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Join WAVE for an on-campus volunteer opportunity focused on community impact. We are honoring King by supporting our neighbors at Wesley Village. Volunteers will be making heart-shaped tie pillows. These pillows serve a medical purpose to help alleviate pain for elderly residents when coughing or sneezing following a cardiac episode or surgery.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate throughout the week and take part in honoring King's legacy through action.

For more general information about the MLK Week of Service or ways to get involved, please contact the Multicultural Center at mcc@wiu.edu. To learn more about volunteer opportunities this week, contact the Office of Student Engagement - Volunteer Programs at volunteer@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing