The City of Davis and the Human Relations Commission invites the public to attend the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Theatre, located at 203 East 14th Street in Davis.
Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. before this free community celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with music and speakers to help commemorate Dr. King’s legacy in civil rights, peace and non-violence. The theme of this year’s event is “It Takes a Community,” and acknowledges the need, importance and service of communities to create social change and justice.
“The fight for civil liberty and social justice continues,” said Davis Mayor Will Arnold. “We can honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking action and helping make his dream a reality for all members of our community today, and for future generations.”
Chair of the Human Relations Commission NJ Mvondo, who is emceeing the event, said, “It takes all of us to bring about justice and fairness. I hope attendees will be inspired to take up the activism and volunteer with organizations already doing work toward equality. His legacy continues through all of us.”
Speakers will include Asantewaa Boykin RN, author of “Love, Lyrics & Liberation” and founder of the Mental Health First Community Response in Sacramento; Laurissa M. Wells, MPA, NAACP Environmental Justice Chair and Senior Director of VisionsOne Environmental Equity & Policy (VEEP); and community activist Rachael Fulp-Cooke. City of Davis Poet Laureate Julia Levine will also do a reading with performances from local singers and dancers, including Hip Hop Artist M’ster Lewis.
Due to weather conditions, the Freedom March that typically concludes the event has been cancelled.
Please note this event is at a new location this year.
This event will be recorded by Davis Media Access and will be available via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WbmkwIZ3bw
A sponsor of this event is Umoja, the African Diaspora Work Group of Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency. For more information, contact Carrie Dyer, City Manager’s Office, at: 530-757-5602 or cdyer@cityofdavis.org.
