Stark County is set to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with several engaging events on and around January 19. This federal holiday, which celebrates the legacy of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., falls on the third Monday of January each year, closely following his birthday on January 15. King’s contributions to justice and equality, including his leadership during significant movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, resonate profoundly today.
Overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially established as a federal holiday in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law. The holiday aims to honor King’s tireless efforts in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighted by his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and notable writings.
Events Scheduled in Stark County
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33rd Annual MLK Jr. Mayors’ Breakfast
Date: January 15, 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 320 Market Ave. S, Canton
Keynote Speaker: Federal Judge Charles Fleming
Doors open: 7 AM
For tickets, visit El-Balad. For inquiries, call 330-437-3708, ext. 1708.
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39th Annual MLK Jr. Shabbat Service
Date: January 16, 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Temple Israel, 432 30th St. NW, Canton
Speaker: Courtney Johnson-Benson. Refreshments at 5:30 PM.
A reception follows from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. To RSVP, visit El-Balad or call 330-455-5197.
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51st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration
Date: January 19, Noon
Location: Edward “Peel” Coleman Center, 1400 Sherrick Road SE, Canton
Theme: “We Will Not Be Moved! – The Struggle Continues”
Keynote Speaker: Dajeun L. Dickerson Jr.
Doors open: 10 AM for entrepreneur exhibits and tables. Breakfast available.
RSVP by January 16. For more information, contact Chairwoman Stephanie Rushin Patrick at 330-495-2658 or President Yvonne Parks at 330-495-7900.
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MLK Events at the University of Mount Union
- MLK Day of Service: January 19, 9 AM
- National Day of Racial Healing Unity Walk: January 20, 11:15 AM
- Food for Thought Discussion: January 21, 4:30 PM
- MLK Awards Ceremony: January 22, 11:15 AM
To register for events, visit El-Balad.
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Stark State College’s MLK Celebration
Date: January 28, 11:30 AM
Location: Business and Entrepreneurial Center, Room M100, 6200 Frank Ave. NW, Jackson Township
Presentation: “Becoming the Bridge: Belonging, Community, and the Power of Listening” by James Knight.
For questions, contact Darnell Tucker at [email protected].
These events foster community engagement and reflect on the profound impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work. All members of the Stark County community are encouraged to participate.
