On Monday, January 20, the nation will join together to commemorate and memorialize the late Martin Luther King, Jr. A champion of civil rights and nonviolent protest, Dr. King earned his doctorate at Boston’s own Boston University. Newly elected Mayor Marty Walsh has planned a celebration befitting of the contributions MLK made to American culture and worthy of his humanitarianism.
Kicking things off at 1:00 p.m. at Boston’s storied Faneuil Hall, Mayor Walsh will team up with Target, The Museum of African American History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras to present a collection of family-friendly classical and spiritual pieces, orations and service projects that all emulate the mission of Dr. King and the themes of community and cooperation by the Walsh administration.
Local filmmaker and educator, Judy Richardson will deliver the keynote speech and a stable of other distinguished speakers will read many of Dr. King’s most memorable writings. The BYSO will also deliver powerful performances “will feature a moving selection of classical music, spirituals and freedom songs” conducted by Marta Zurad.
Service events will include assembling toddler beds, making fleece blankets, making flash cards, lap desks and more. To find out more on how you can contribute, there will be two volunteer sessions. The first session will be from 10:00-12:00 pm and the second will be from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Registration will be available through the Boston Cares website .
“The City of Boston has the great privilege of working with the Museum of African History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras for its 6th annual Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,”said Mayor Walsh in a statement.
Dr. King’s message of justice and peace is just as relevant today as it was during the Civil Rights Movement. What better way to honor this iconic civil rights leader, then by uniting communities through music, spoken word, history and volunteer service opportunities. I invite all Bostonians to join us in this celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For more information on MLK Day in Boston, check out the City of Boston website here or call the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events.
