By Jasmine Whitlow

This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed, but a UK sorority is working to continue King’s message by organizing community events throughout the week.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting Delta Week 2008 “Red, White and You,” to follow the weekend’s events.

“These events broaden awareness under the realization that we are still living Martin Luther King’s dream,” said Alicia Arnett, a Delta Sigma Theta member and pharmacy senior.

The Delta Week events are designed to continue that political and social awareness of current issues, she said.

A presidential election forum will be held today in room 211 of the Student Center at 6 p.m. The UK College Democrats and UK College Republicans ­­­will come together to educate students about the candidates and to hold an informal debate.

“Voter registration is a national program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority under the idea of political awareness and involvement,” said Brittany Fulton, a member of Delta Sigma Theta and a marketing and finance senior. “We want students to be informed and understand the importance of being an informed voter.”

A Stress and Rejuvenation Fair tomorrow in room 206 of the Student Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature spa and salons showcasing their products and sharing about their companies, including Mary Kay and Avon. Students will have an opportunity to win giveaways to spas and salons and receive a free facial at the fair.

“The Stress and Rejuvenation Fair is a good way for students to find out about businesses in Lexington that could be a stress reliever for students,” said Delta Sigma Theta President Kiesha Hilson.

As part of the organization’s mission, Delta Week will host a community service project Thursday in room 230 of the Student Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Students and the members of Delta Sigma Theta will put together boxed lunches and deliver them to a homeless shelter under the theme, “Ask NOT What Your Country Can Do for You, But What YOU Can Do for Your Country.”

“One of Delta’s founding principles is community service,” said Hilson, an accounting and Spanish senior. “We strive to do something better in the community in every way we can.”

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta will hold two social events to wrap up the end of the week. On Friday, a party under the theme “Fight for Your Right to Party” will be held at the High Street YMCA from 11  p.m. to 2 a.m., and on Saturday, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” ice skating event will be held at the Lexington Ice Center from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

“It’s not your average week,” said Kimber Hatton, a nursing junior and a member of Delta Sigma Theta. “It’s not just social but educational.”