Rockville will celebrate the life and legacy of a civil rights leader with the city’s 51st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Monday, Jan. 16.
The celebration, which is free and open to all, will be held from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive. The program begins at 10:30 a.m. It is sponsored by the city’s Human Rights Commission and will feature performances, awards, a keynote speaker, interactive booths from community organizations and a continental breakfast, while supplies last.
The celebration’s theme of “Boldly Imagining Our Future” invites courage, creativity and curiosity as our community considers the work before us. It asks us to consider what lessons we can bring from the civil rights movement into the advocacy of today, as millennials and Gen Z have ushered in a new era of disruption and activism for racial, economic, social, gender and disability justice.
The ceremony will include the presentation of two awards. The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Award will recognize a student at a Rockville high school who has worked to fulfill King’s dream in either their school or the community. The F. Michael Taff Award will be presented to an individual, organization or business that has helped to improve the lives of people with disabilities, such as through efforts to improve accessibility or raise public awareness.
The city will also honor King’s legacy with service activities. See the article on this page for more information.
The celebration will offer tables for nonprofit 501(c) organizations that promote the values instilled by King. Tables are free, but must be reserved by Friday, Dec. 16.
Find applications and learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/mlk.