Boca Raton to celebrate birthday of MLK Monday
Written By: Mr. Dale M. King
BOCA RATON — Each year, on the third Monday in January, the nation comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Residents of Boca Raton will again join fellow citizens to honor the slain civil rights leader during ceremonies scheduled Monday, January 18, in Boca Raton.
Susan Saxton, assistant to the city manager, said numerous events spanning the entire month will make it possible for everyone in Boca Raton to support Dr. King’s vision of “building a beloved community” through service to humanity.
She noted that Dr. King once said, “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is: What are you doing for others?” And she added that the 2010 King Holiday is an opportunity to answer that call.
A number of organizations in Boca Raton are preparing exhibits, tours, concerts and family events to celebrate Dr. King and his dream of freedom, equality and dignity for all people throughout the month of January. The events kicked off Jan. 4 at the Boca Raton Community Center with the opening of an exhibit of the paintings of James Gibson, which will be on display for the entire month of January.
Gibson is one of the Highwaymen, a small group of African-American artists who painted Florida landscapes during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
On Monday, January 18, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration begins at 8 a.m. the King Memorial adjacent to Ebenezer Baptist Church. At 9 a.m., a commemorative march will proceed from the memorial to Mizner Park Amphitheater. The march will feature bands from Boca Raton Community, Olympic Heights and Pahokee High Schools.
The Commemorative Program at the Amphitheater will include performances by Kenya Safari Acrobats, Avenue D Boys Choir and Banyan Creek Elementary School Drumline. At noon, the program will end with a concert by 45 Live Band.
Many other festivities are planned. Check the “Boca Raton Celebrates a Dream flyer.
For additional information, call (561) 393-7806, selection #2 or visit the city of Boca Raton website at www.myboca.us.
