With activities ranging from films about King to a bell ringing ceremony, Penn State is bringing together a day filled with diverse events, tailored to attract people from all backgrounds.

Tony Huang, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service said there are activities primarily geared toward helping people understand the differences between race.

Today's events begin with continuous showings of the films from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Remembrance of Martin, The Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-A Historical Perspective are being shown at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Room 19.

A Community Commemorative Bell Ringing Ceremony, is taking place at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center at 11:30 a.m.

"Straight but not Narrow," an educational program featured in Pollock Cultural Lounge, Pollock Commons, will focus on combating homophobia and hatred of all kinds. It runs from 4 to 5 p.m.

Students can take a break with "Learn to Relax." From noon to 3 p.m., students will learn how to combat stress with antidotes including massage, aromatherapy and yoga.

A special Straight Talks; "Students Speak on Sexuality, Race and Gender" is a theatrical skit performed by five students, each representing a different minority group. The skit will explore how individuals in a minority group deal with society. Afterward, there will be a question and answer session from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Alumni Hall of the HUB-Robeson Center.

"The Miseducation of Generation X," a workshop exploring values of ethnic and gender groups, beginning at 1 and running to 4:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall will use role playing to focus on common stereotypes.

In the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, the Forum on Black Affairs King Jr. Banquet will begin at 6 p.m.

A screening of the film American History X, which shows the extensive effects of racism on the family, begins at 8 p.m. in 113 Carnegie Building.

"Color Me Human" from 4 to 5 p.m. in Heritage Hall gives a personal perspective of students and faculty about diversity issues within the Penn State community.

"Color Me Human gives perspectives of race and how people are affected by it," Huang said.

The evening finishes with a Rec Hall celebration of diversity, service and fellowship beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by the group Nommo. At 8 p.m. Dr. Henry Giroux, professor and Waterbury Chair of Education will be speaking, followed by a performance of the Filipino Association's Orchesis Dance Company.

Students can get involved in one service opportunity by simply clicking on the Web site (www.lionaid.com). Each time a person goes into the site, local organizations will make a donation to local food banks.

From 9 a.m. to noon at the Cedar Building Childcare day care center, students can participate in various volunteer activities.

The Center of Wildlife Care is sponsoring the building of birdfeeders and squirrel boxes in the third floor of the HUB.

The American Red Cross blood drive will go on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pollock Rec Room.

With events running throughout the day, students have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference, said Rubina Javeri, Undergraduate Student Government chief of staff.

"We give opportunities other than class that inspire students to look at different options," Javeri said. "I think the turnout is going to be phenomenal."