Loyola and three other area universities will be hosting the twenty-seventh annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week for Peace next week.

This week-long event, which begins Jan. 21, is a collaborative effort from the four private colleges in the New Orleans area. Loyola, Tulane, Dillard and Xavier will all host events and will recognize a student from each university with a social justice award.

According to the event’s website, the week begins with a viewing of the presidential inauguration at each of the private schools. A discussion panel on “Continuing the Need for Affirmative Action in a Diverse America” will be held the following evening. Panelists will include Loyola law professor Bill Quigley and chief justice Bernette Johnson of the Louisiana Supreme Court, among three other distinguished guests. This event will be held at Dillard University.

Courtney Williams, assistant director of campus activities, said that he is most excited for the convocation, which he said will be a must-see event for students.

“In the past it has been just one speaker, but this year there will be the panel,” Williams said. “It will be moderated by Melissa Harris-Perry who has a television show on MSNBC.”

Another component to the Week for Peace is the service day that will be held on Jan. 26. Volunteers will give back to New Orleans with over 20 different service projects.

Public relations junior Sean Innella said that he is excited to participate in these events this week.

“It gives students at Loyola a great opportunity to celebrate with not only the university, but the city as a whole,” Innella said.

All of the events throughout the week are free and open to the public. College students with a valid student ID are invited to the Dream Celebration After Party in the St. Charles Room on Friday, Jan. 25.

“It is such an honor to participate and work with the four area schools. I think it really has put the dream into action,” Williams said.

Allison McElligott can be reached at [email protected]