Celebrate the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr. with these events around town.
And if you’ve got little ones at home for the school holiday, there are some great (and educational) ideas in here for you too.
A Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, Jan. 17
Enjoy a staged reading and commemoration of the words of Dr. King at Sycamore Rouge. The event will open with remarks by Mayor Moore followed by performances of the words of Dr. King, and of those who knew him, from Melvin Lassiter, Timothy L. Harris, Justin Lowenhagen, and Shalandis Wheeler-Smith. Followed by a reception afterwards. It’s the fifth annual celebration at Sycamore Rouge and has become a real staple in the community, regularly drawing a packed crowd. Be sure to check out a special exhibit in the gallery space from Pathway’s YouthBuild program. The YouthBuild students have been studying civil rights and have traced their footsteps. On those cut-outs, the students have written about what civil right what they would march for today, to commemorate the march from Petersburg to Richmond. Free and open to the public.
Free Screening of Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
Monday, Jan. 17
HandsOn Greater Richmond and the Enrichmond Foundation will partner to host a screening of “Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai.” This screening event seeks to address issues of social and environmental justice and inspire attendees to find ways to create change in their communities. The event will take place in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service screenings at the Byrd Theatre and community service projects organized by HandsOn during the week of MLK Day.
The screening will be proceeded by a very special performance from the children’s group of the Taaluma African Drum and Dance Company and words from VCU Prof. Helen Ruth Aspaas. Following the film will be a brief QA with Lisa Merton, the film’s director, via Skype.
Free Screening of “Living for 32” Documentary
Monday, Jan. 17
There is a free screening of “Living for 32” at the YWCA, 6 N. 5th Street, at 12:30 p.m. The documentary, short listed for an Oscar nomination, follows Colin Goddard after the Virginia Tech shooting. Colin Goddard will be at the screening. Afterward, there is an annual MLK Day Prayer Vigil Lie-in with readings from the works of Dr King. The vigil is to remember all those hurt by gun violence and pray for peace. The vigil is at 3 p.m. at the Bell Tower on the State Capitol Grounds. Sponsored by the Virginia Center for Public Safety.
Monday, Jan. 17 through Wednesday, Jan. 19
Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., were separated by nearly 100 years of history yet similar in so many ways. The 30-minute “Civil War to Civil Rights” program brings to life the inspirational words of General Robert E. Lee and Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The program emphasizes the lives, careers, and visions of two of the most quotable men in United States history and will take in the original Colonial Kitchen building. Complimentary warm cider will be available by the open fireplace in the Kitchen building. The programs run continuously from noon until 4 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Monday, Jan. 17
Celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with Boaz Ruth, the Richmond group that helps Richmonders rebuild their lives after release from prison. Boaz Ruth will be hosting a special MLK program featuring Dr. Samuel Roberts, professor of theology and ethics. The event beings with a ceremony at Fresh Annointing Cathedral Church followed by a candlelight walk to Boaz Ruth where a free dinner will be provided.
Monday, Jan. 17
The Children’s Museum of Richmond will be open because it’s a school holiday.
Farther Ahead:
Sunday, Jan. 30 at the VCU Singleton Center
Friday, Feb. 4 at the Richmond Main Library
It’s the sixth annual youth educoncert, Generation Dream 2011, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Richmond Youth Peace Project.
Generation Dream 2011 is an uplifting 90-minute multi-cultural variety show built around the themes of peace, nonviolence and social justice. The show is part of Living the Dream, Richmond’s annual commemoration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. $5 suggested donation.
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