Jared Daniels
Staff Writer
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Dialogue events have been occurring this past week. Mark Willis, a UW graduate, gave a keynote presentation yesterday during this event, in the Union Ballroom at 7 p.m.
“It’s great to talk about my experience and hopefully inspire students to work on their dreams. It’s amazing to be able to come back and talk,” said Willis.
This year’s theme for Days of Dialogue is Afrofuturism in Rural Context. Afrofuturism envisions a future in which African-Americans thrive through all art, science, music etc. This theme is looking to explore this view in the rural context that is the Laramie community.
“I think our programming speaks for itself in regards to the theme, we really are focusing on Black contributions to the field of art specifically, and thinking about possible futures is an important way to move forward,” said Aaron Lozano, an ASUW advisor and liaison for Willis.
Willis is an actor for commercials, films and a model. Willis graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor in communication and was an athlete for the Wyoming Cowboys. He has also modeled for larger companies like Target. In his acting career, he has co-starred in many television shows such as Shameless, Superfreaks and 18th and Bronzeville. In Willis’s latest role, he played a Jabari Warrior in Marvel’s Black Panther film.
“Once you have that vision, do whatever you can to work to make that happen. Of course things don’t always go as planned, but it’s important to get over those obstacles,” said Willis.
Willis’s performance in Black Panther can be seen today at 6 p.m. The film will be shown in the Union Family Room with popcorn free to the first 30 attendees.
“We are working very hard to make this event meaningful for students,” said Lozano. Lozano expressed his anticipation to hear Willis’s message along with other speakers that are alumni from the University.
Days of Dialogue is an event that has been produced at UW since 2002, marking this year as its 16th annual celebration. Students, alumni, the laramie public, faculty and staff are all welcome to attend the events.
“With the Afrofuturism theme, we are able to see different parts of the African-American experience and showcase it to the rest of the state,” said Willis. Willis said there are more than just sports students here and he hopes this event will showcase the African-American culture from all over the globe.
Days of Dialogue was created to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. The main goals of the event was to expand the awareness for social justice and diversity. The event is available to create an inclusive community which acts in as a union for marginalized communities.
“Find the blessings in your failure,” said Willis. “It will give you the confidence to continue pursuing your career.”
