UK students have a plethora of events to attend on a daily basis, whether it’s a club that meets regularly or a one-time event. Every student is likely to find something that interests them.

For many students, it’s in the monthly Soup and Substance discussions where they have found their place. The Soup and Substance discussion meets once a month in the Whitehall classroom building to discuss popular topics in today’s society. The events are organized by the Martin Luther King Center, Underground Perspective and the Student Activities Board.

February’s discussion was titled “Politically Correct: a discussion on the two-party system” and allowed students to freely voice their political views in an open, accepting environment while they enjoyed fresh soup. The discussion included facts about the history of American politics and how it has changed over time, as well as the history of each party and how students think they have become what they are today.

“I enjoy it because it is a range of topics for students and faculty to share their opinions in an unbiased environment,” said Sheridan Broady, coordinator of Underground Perspective.

The MLK Center invited Underground Perspective to join in organizing the event after recognizing the organization was holding separate events for similar discussions.

“The MLK Center is for everyone,” Broady said about adding to Underground Perspective’s collaboration with the goal of the event to allow everyone’s voice to be heard.

The MLK Center at the UK holds numerous events including Holocaust Remembrance Day, explore your heritage workshop and interfaith holidays. This event, however, is its most inclusive, allowing anyone from any background to have a voice in the discussion.

“There are not a lot of opportunities to have these discussions in a safe space,” said Falynn Thompson, graduate assistant at the MLK Center.

With a growing university in a growing society, there are many events on campus to attend for both students and faculty alike to find and share common interests with their peers and others on campus. A diverse student body and an encouraging community make it possible for these events and discussions to take place.

Ivan Rome, programming intern at the MLK Center, said, “Without these discussions these things would never be talked about.”