Events Offer Perspective On King Holiday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday. To some, the holiday means a day off from work. To others, it’s a holiday not only honoring Dr. King’s progressive and significant accomplishments but also remembering the importance of human rights.

Several community events will be held to mark the holiday.

Today, a presentation, Keeping the Dream Alive, will be given in Spokane Community College Lair student center at 11:30 a.m.

SCC President Jim Williams will speak on the progress this country has made in human rights and how we must be vigilant to avoid regression. The Rev. Happy Watkins will recite a landmark King speech, “I Have a Dream.”

On Sunday, SCC will host a Multicultural Business Exhibition at the Lair, at 3 p.m.

At 4 p.m., also in the Lair, there will be a public unity service and musical. Williams will, again, be the speaker.

The event will also feature a proclamation by Mayor Jack Geraghty and a tribute speech to King delivered by city Councilwoman Roberta Greene. Closing remarks will be made by the Rev. Patrick Copland-Malone.

Two citywide choirs, one children’s and one adult, will perform throughout the service.

On Monday, Martin Luther King Day, a Public Unity March will start at 9:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse downtown.

From noon to 3 p.m., the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center will welcome the public to an open house.

, DataTimes