In memory of the late Martin Luther King, Jr., the Multicultural Center will host the third annual commemorative breakfast 8:30 a.m., Jan. 21 in the Student Union (SU) Galaxy Rooms.

Rep. Helen Giddings, D-Dallas, will preside as guest speaker at the breakfast.

“She’s been a very big supporter of UTD,” said Arthur Gregg, director of the Multicultural Center. “She is influential in our community and an advocate for education and civil rights. As a state representative, she brings another angle to the commemorative celebration.”

Intended to raise student awareness of King’s legacy and contributions, Gregg said he hopes to remind students “one person can make a difference if they just do something.”

If unable to attend the breakfast, Gregg requests students to do something to make a difference that week instead.

“The breakfast will commemorate Dr. King’s life and death by reminding us that his dream was for all (of us),” Gregg said. “We have an opportunity to keep that dream alive by taking time to come together and work together.”

A federal holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19, commemorates King’s birthday, Jan. 15, 1929. The holiday was first celebrated in 1986.

Black History month begins Feb. 1 and will kickoff with storyteller Melody Bell noon-1 p.m., Feb. 3, in the Comet Café along with displays in the library and SU.

Other activities will include a play, “The First Semester,” performance by Studio 7 West Dance Troupe, National Pan-Hellenic Week and the Annual Soul Food dinner 4:30-6 p.m., Feb. 25 in the SU Galaxy Rooms.