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CORVALLIS - A candlelight vigil, films and a "peace walk" through Corvallis are some of the highlights of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration '97 from Jan. 15-21 at Oregon State University.

Activities are open to the public and most are free. The university will cancel classes on Jan. 20 to allow students and staff to join the tribute.

Lawrence Dark, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Portland will be the featured speaker for OSU's 15th annual Peace Breakfast, scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in the university's Memorial Union Ballroom.

Breakfast tickets will be available at the door on Jan. 20, or at the Memorial Union Business Office cashier's window through Friday, Jan. 17. Tickets are $6.50 each, or $4.50 for students.

Planned activities include:

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Noon: City of Corvallis Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, starting with a City Council meeting and awards presentation at Benton County Public Library, 6th Street and Monroe Avenue. The meeting will be followed by the annual Peace Walk to Corvallis's Martin Luther King Jr. Park for a tree planting ceremony.

3:30 p.m.: Children's Storytelling at the Majestic Theater, 115 S.W. 2nd St., featuring Vivian "The Rappin' Granny" Smallwood and Joanne Buckner, a storyteller of African tradition and literature.

7 p.m.: Harold Reynolds, former Corvallis resident and retired Seattle Mariners second baseman, will be keynote speaker at the City of Corvallis' "Work for Justice, Make a Difference" celebration at OSU's LaSells Stewart Center, 26th Street and Western Boulevard.

Thursday, Jan. 16

7 p.m.: Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest focusing on King's commitment to making a better life for all people. LaSells Stewart Center.

Saturday, Jan. 18

All day: Signing of the Martin Luther King Jr. Pledge Wall in OSU's Memorial Union Concourse. Supporters sign the pledge wall to affirm their belief in non-violent social change, equality, justice, freedom and peace. Wall will stand and signing will continue through Friday, Jan. 23.

5 p.m.: Martin Luther King Celebration, honoring justice through music, drama and dance. MU Ballroom. Monday, Jan. 20

All day: Work-a-Thon at various community organizations. Register at the Black Cultural Center. Volunteers donate services in honor of King's philosophy that a person's worth is measured by commitment to making a better life for all. Contact the center at 541-737-4372 for information.

7:30 a.m.: 15th annual OSU Peace Breakfast, featuring Lawrence Dark, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Portland. MU Ballroom. Tickets $6.50, $4.50 for students.

1 - 5 p.m.: "Starpower," an interactive game simulating a society. Wealth and commerce play a major role in a person's success. MU Ballroom. Advance registration is required. Contact Dona Heyden, OSU College of Science at 541-737-4811. For special assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, call by Jan. 16th.

6:30 p.m.: Candlelight Vigil, MU Quad. Bring your own candles.

7 p.m.: Round Table Discussion. Issues important to King will be discussed. Facilitator is LaVerne Woods, OSU Equal Opportunities Program counselor.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

4 p.m.: The video, "Color of Fear," will be shown and will be followed by a discussion led by Larry Roper, OSU vice provost for Student Affairs. OSU International Forum.