While Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated nationally on Monday, Iowa State holds a weeklong celebration series in honor of the civil rights leader.

Thursday, President Steven Leath will open the holiday celebration at 4 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. The event will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The lecture will include musical performances by Bridges to Harmony choir and Shy of a Dozen and also feature several guest speakers.

Speakers include Nana Osei-Kofi, assistant professor and coordinator of social justice studies program, Dakota Hoben, president of the student Body, and Paris Tindrell, president of the Black Student Alliance.

Along with speakers, the Advancing One Community Awards will be presented. The Advancing One Community Awards are presented to any faculty, staff, student or student organization that demonstrates commitment to the principles and goals of Dr. King. Recipients have done so through nonviolent actions to create an inclusive multicultural community and bring about change aimed at reducing injustice and inequality at Iowa State. The celebration will conclude with birthday cake donated by ISU Dining.