LEWISTON — Bates College will kick off its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with a keynote address titled “What Do We Do with All This Fear? Lessons from Martin Luther King Jr. on Fear and Courage.”

Philosopher Myisha Cherry, associate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, will lead off a day of free events that explore the theme of fear and anger in social justice work.

In her talk, drawing on the civil rights leader’s life and work, as well as contemporary philosophy and psychology, “Cherry will explore ways to harness our fears so that we can survive and thrive in difficult times, instead of being consumed or overwhelmed by them,” according to Bates organizers.  

The address begins at 9 a.m. at Gomes Chapel, 275 College St. Registration to reserve a spot at the keynote address and other presentations, and a full schedule of events, can be found at www.bates.edu/mlk/.

“There is a lot to fear these days: economic uncertainty, raging wars, political turmoil, and social upheaval are widespread,” according to the college post.

“In this sense, our era isn’t so different from Martin Luther King Jr.’s time — an age he described as one of ‘catastrophic change and calamitous uncertainty,’ marked by people overwhelmed by ‘depression and bewilderment of crippling fear, which like a nagging hound of hell, pursues our every footstep.’ Yet King didn’t tell them to ignore their fear. He offered solutions — ways to face and harness it. His lessons on fear remain ever relevant.”

The Culture, Awareness, Respect and Education Team (CARE) Team at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris will “share their experiences discussing challenging topics within a rural school setting and will provide insight to empower others to replicate similar programs in rural schools.”

Other workshops and presentations will include film and book discussions, screen printing, and an evening montage of presentations and music addressing the day’s theme, King’s legacy, and the aims of social justice, according to the college.

Officials said the college’s website will be updated immediately if there are any changes to the schedule. Go to www.bates.edu/mlk/ for more information.