Cary Remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cary, NC — Monday, January 19, 2015 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Make plans to celebrate, remember, and recognize him all weekend with these films, presentations, speeches, and activities–all offered in Cary and Raleigh.

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. in Cary

Each year, Cary celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of events entitled Dreamfest. These events, which recognize and celebrate the life, vision, and work of Dr. King start on the Friday before MLK Day. They are all free and open to the public.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Women of Action Gathering & Fashion Show, 7 pm
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Downtown Cary

This gathering for the public (not just for women) will feature keynote speaker Mrs. Evelyn Morgan-Mahon. She’ll share her perspective on empowering women and recognizing their unique value on their family and in the community. Mrs. Morgan-Mahon will also share details of her involvement in the civil rights movement.

The event should be empowering, interesting, and fun–after the speech, attendees can watch a fashion show honoring “Dress for Success,” a program that provides professional clothing for women seeking employment.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

A Dream of Community, 12-3 pm
The Cary Theater, Downtown Cary

Cary is excited to welcome a very special guest–Mrs. Naomi King, the sister-in-law of Martin Luther King, Jr. Mrs. King, along with her husband, played an integral role in supporting Dr. King’s dreams for the community. She was a part of many historical events, including Rosa Parks’ 1955 arrest, the launch of the 1960 sit-in movement in Greensboro, NC, and the March on Washington for Jobs are freedom in 1963.

A documentary, inspired by her, will be shown prior to her speech. This film, A.D. King, Brother to the Dreamer, is about her husband. You may recognize A.D. King’s motto, which was:

A threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and building a beloved community is a glorious task that must be done.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

An Arts Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., 3 pm
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Downtown Cary

“I Rise Still,” a dramatic presentation of collected works by black writers, will be presented at Page-Walker on Sunday afternoon. Each passionately performed free verse, prose, dance and song will show evidence of a culture that celebrates spirituality and collective introspection.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Dream of Democracy March, 10 am
Downtown Raleigh

This annual MLK Commemorative March in Downtown Raleigh brings residents from across the Triangle together on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Roundtrip transportation for Cary residents will be provided. Those interested in a ride can meet at Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street by 10 am.

Space is limited. Call 919-460-4963 to reserve seats.

MLK Day of Service and Appreciation Celebration, 10 am-4 pm
Middle Creek Community Park and Community Center

This community volunteer effort takes place at 10 am on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and again at 2 pm. Registered volunteers will work to maintain and beautify the area by completing hands-on tasks around the Middle Creek Community Center.

In between the work sessions, from 12:30-1:30 pm, volunteers and community members can enjoy a celebration of the day’s service by hearing performances from various local groups. Those interested in volunteering can call 919-469-4301 to register.

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Photo by Minnesota Historical Society.