NEWBURYPORT — YWCA Greater Newburyport is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, at 9:30 a.m. at Newburyport City Hall, 60 Pleasant St.
The theme is “Standing Strong: Our Beloved Community” in recognition of King’s vision of a society where justice, equality and prosperity thrive.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Angel Jones. Jones is a first-generation, Afro-Latina educator, scholar, activist and author whose research explores racial battle fatigue and the impact of racism on mental health.
“We’re beyond excited to have Dr. Jones speak at our MLK Jr. Day commemoration ceremony. Dr. Angel Jones is unmatched in her ability to challenge each of us to think more deeply, lead more boldly, and recommit to the unfinished work of justice that Dr. King so powerfully named,” YWCA Greater Newburyport Executive Director Kate Slater said.
The event will also include the presentation of the Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award, the return of local poet Rhina P. Espaillat and a performance by vocalist Christian Cornelio.
Rabbi Alex Matthews and the Rev. Rebecca Bryan will deliver the blessing and benediction.
Following the commemoration, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in a sponsored service activity in conjunction with community partners, including Amesbury Racial & Social Justice, Our Neighbors’ Table and The Salvation Army, among others – more information to follow.
Tickets are $10 for students/teachers and $20 for adults. To purchase tickets and for more information on YWCA Greater Newburyport, visit www.ywcanewburyport.org.