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Organizations plan MLK Day events [Update]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Source: Whitehouse.gov)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Source: Whitehouse.gov)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Source: Whitehouse.gov)

Update: Due to the rapid spread of Covid-19, The Mix announced that its Youth Day of Service has been postponed.

Previously reported: 

Organizations are commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events on the federal holiday itself, Monday, Jan. 17, and throughout the week.

Due to the rapid spread of the omicron coronavirus variant, many are being held online, as was the case in 2021.

Local observances include the following:

Robert S. Harvey

NAACP Lancaster

  • What: 42nd annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. (Virtual event)
  • When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16.
  • Speaker: Robert S. Harvey, chief academic officer of the East Harlem Tutorial Program and superintendent of the East Harlem Scholars Academies.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Registration: Click here.

Event held in partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church.

Aiko Bethea

Crispus Attucks Community Center

  • What: "The Fierce Urgency of Now," 34th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast. (Virtual event)
  • When: 8 to 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17.
  • Speaker: Aiko Bethea, executive coach, anti-racism educator and diversity consultant; founder, RARE Coaching & Consulting.
  • Cost: $75; $35 for students.
  • Registration: Click here.

 

YWCA Lancaster

  • What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day readings and activities for children. (Virtual event)
  • When: Monday, Jan. 17. The 30-minute readings are scheduled hourly as follows:
    • 9 a.m.: Read by a resident from Willow Valley Communities
    • 10 a.m.: Read by Sophie Yost, senior at Manheim Township High School
    • 11 a.m.: Read by Jae Whitlow, Millersville University
    • 12 noon: Read by Lenwood Sloan
  • Cost: Free.
  • Registration: Click here and scroll down. Children who are registered can receive a book, bookmark, crayons, coloring book and certificate while supplies last. **Materials will be distributed Friday, Jan. 14**

The Mix

(Update: This event has been postponed.)

  • What: Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day of Service: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17. Event will include a neighborhood cleanup in the southeast, followed by a lunch with student performance and leadership award presentation. Grades 6-12 invited.
  • Where: The Mix, 520 North St., Lancaster.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Registration: Click here.

Put People First PA

(Update: This event has been rescheduled.)

  • What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Popup Health Clinic: Activities include blood pressure and glucose screenings, help applying for state assistance programs and information on volunteer opportunities and community resources. Offered in partnership with the National Union of the Homeless.
  • When: 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17

New date: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30

  • Where: Garden Court Apartments Community Center, 520 East End Ave., Lancaster.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Registration: None; event is drop-in.

 

Kevin Ressler

United Way of Lancaster County

  • What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day forum, titled "Conversation About OUR Community: Learning Precedes Action." (Virtual event)
  • When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21.
  • Speaker: Kevin Ressler, President and CEO, United Way of Lancaster County, and adjunct professor of church and social change, Lancaster Theological Seminary.
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: Click here.