The City of Lakewood will be honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday January 15th with a Beloved Community Celebration to include a series of events at the Fort Steilacoom Pierce College. According to Sally Martinez, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Lakewood, “The idea of this year’s event is to ensure there is something for everyone.”
The evening line up, 6-8pm, will feature dynamic performances, hands-on workshops, and a keynote address by Dr. John Scott. There will be family-friendly activities including free face painting, balloon making, dream board creation, and a collaborative community quilt project. Attendees can explore a student art show, library book display, and screenings of civil rights videos, then enjoy a complimentary dinner.
“All the corresponding activities and performances at the Beloved Community Celebration tie back directly to the six impacts of Martin Luther King,” said Martinez. These six impacts are Civil Rights & Social Rights, Promoting Traits of a Beloved Community, Community Service & Love of Family, Embracing Diversity, Freedom of Voice and Equal/Accessible Education. From Japanese drumming to spoken word artistry and an art show, the celebration will be filled with ways for attendees to honor MLK’s visions for a Beloved Community.
The evening will also feature a powerful performance of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf from 7:30-9:30. This play has strong themes and is recommended for audiences 15 years or older. Seats are limited for this play so please reserve your FREE tickets now: https://qrco.de/bgQ0to
As mentioned, Dr. King’s vision included community service. So, to celebrate this belief, you are encouraged to bring a canned food donation to benefit Nourish Pierce County. Your donation shows support of our community and connects you with neighbors as it honors Dr. King’s legacy of unity, compassion and service.
For more information, visit MLK Beloved Community Celebration – City of Lakewooday/#about