SRU MLK events include speech about Islam

Other events are scheduled Wednesday and Jan. 30.
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Dr. Ahmed Abdelwahab, an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University and an activist at Islamic centers in Pittsburgh, will give a lecture titled "Toward an Understanding of Muslim Perspectives on Peace and War (Salaam and Jihad)" as part of Slippery Rock University events Thursday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The free lecture at 11:30 a.m., sponsored by SRU's Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic and Human Development and the university's philosophy department, will be presented in the Eisenberg Classroom Building Auditorium.
Abdelwahab, who teaches management and economics courses at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, has been involved in the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and the Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh since 1991.
His work at the centers includes delivery of Friday service, teaching Arabic language and religion, and participating in various discussion groups and social activities.
He grew up in Egypt and received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Ain Shams University in Cairo, then earned his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He has traveled and worked in numerous countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Also scheduled: Other SRU events marking King's leadership include a 7 p.m. Wednesday lecture by Sonia Sanchez, an award-winning poet, activist and author of 13 books. The lecture will be in the multipurpose room of the University Union and sponsored by SRU's Office of Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity.
The office also is sponsoring the university's annual "Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Competition" at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 in the union's Cultural Center.
The speeches, which must detail the human experience in relationship to King's work, will be judged on content, clarity, delivery and research. The winner of the $500 book scholarship will be announced Feb. 4.