Adams State University and Trinidad State Junior College will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with virtual events on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, featuring Stacey Pearson-Wharton, Ph.D.

The first event, “Justice Dialogue Training: Navigating Difficult Conversations,” begins at 12 p.m. Participants will be given the tools they need to have authentic, healthy conversations about “the scary stuff” like racism, homophobia, sexism, etc.

For the best experience, participants are encouraged to use a laptop/desktop. If using a tablet, participants are encouraged to download the Zoom App and enter ID: 872 5614 3351 password MLK2021.

The keynote, “Can’t we all just get along?,” begins at 7 p.m. Over the last few years, the art of debate has become pure vitriol in our country. From the national political stage down to discussion in the hallways of a college campuses, we are struggling with how to disagree with civility. When people engaging in disagreement, they often fail to listen and are unwilling to respect the different opinion. Moreover, people are turning to social media as the vehicle to debate not having face to face conversations.

In this presentation, Pearson-Wharton will provide participants the tools they need to have authentic, healthy conversations about the racism, homophobia, sexism, etc. A question and answer session will follow.

For the best experience, participants are encouraged to use a laptop/desktop. If using a tablet, participants are encouraged to download the Zoom App and enter ID: 835 5792 4938 password MLK2021.

About Stacey Pearson Wharton

Stacey Pearson-Wharton, Ph.D., offers expertise and a positive approach for issues surrounding diversity, social justice, inclusion, and mental health to provide hope and healing in difficult times.

For nearly 20 years Pearson-Wharton has dedicated herself to helping students maximize their learning, health and wellness, and personal growth. She has served as an Assistant Dean, Assistant Vice President, Counseling Center Director, Staff Psychologist, Academic Advisor, Career Counselor and even a Hall Director.

Pearson-Wharton served the governing board of the American College Personnel Association as the director of equity and inclusion where she used her expertise and experience to navigate complicated social justice issues. She has significant experience teaching, publishing, and presenting on issues related to college student development. She holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in counselor education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.