Marches, Speeches Mark King’s Birthday

Sat., Jan. 13, 1996

Putsata Reang Staff writer

To many people, he is a hero who died too soon. And to honor him, they will walk.

Hundreds of Spokane area residents are expected to march on Monday to commemorate the birthday of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He would have been 67.

Marchers will gather at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the federal courthouse for the annual Public Unity March.

At 10 a.m., the group will stroll through downtown, and finish at the Convention Center, where marchers will hear from several speakers, including Mayor Jack Geraghty.

Following the march, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center is offering an open house and reception from noon to 3 p.m. at 845 S. Sherman.

Other Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances also will be offered this weekend.

Today, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center is holding a special community meeting where staff, including director Valerie Marshall, will speak about King’s contributions to the civil rights movement, and why his birthday is celebrated as a holiday.

On Sunday, Spokane Community College kicks off a public unity service and musical with its annual Multi-Cultural Business Exhibitions. The resource fair, which features African American businesses and services, starts at 3 p.m. at the Lair center.

Jim Williams, Spokane Community College president, will be the keynote speaker at the 4 p.m. unity service, also at the Lair. People also will hear from City Councilwoman Roberta Greene. The Rev. Happy Watkins will recite King’s “I have a dream” speech.

On Tuesday, Washington State University is having its own Unity March. It begins at 6 p.m. at the Multicultural Center and ends at the Compton Union Building.

Following the march at 7 p.m. is a speech by Patricia Russell-McCloud, attorney and national president of The Links, Inc., a service organization for black women.

The program also includes a special tribute to King presented by students involved in the university’s African American Student Center.

On Friday, Gonzaga University is hosting a prayer service from 4-5 p.m. at the Jesuit House Chapel. , DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HOLIDAY CLOSURES The following offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday: The U.S. Postal Service will be closed. Delivery will resume Tuesday. Public schools and colleges won’t hold classes. Federal, state, city and county offices will be closed. Garbage will be picked up in the city and in the north county. Valley Garbage won’t pick up trash Monday and service will be one day late for the rest of the week. Parking meters will be enforced.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOLIDAY CLOSURES The following offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday: The U.S. Postal Service will be closed. Delivery will resume Tuesday. Public schools and colleges won’t hold classes. Federal, state, city and county offices will be closed. Garbage will be picked up in the city and in the north county. Valley Garbage won’t pick up trash Monday and service will be one day late for the rest of the week. Parking meters will be enforced.