BCAT News

This Monday we will observe the birthday of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. who was a key leader in the American Civil Rights Movement and fought against racial discrimination on both the state and federal level. After his assassination in 1968, there was a large campaign for a federal holiday in his honor. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later.

Here are some local events being held in honor of Dr. King over this weekend:

Bedford Embraces Diversity presents Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day
Time: Monday January 16th, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.
Location: Middlesex Community College, 591 Springs Road, Bedford MA

“The seventh annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day, sponsored by Bedford Embraces Diversity, is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the student center of the Middlesex Community College campus, 591 Springs Rd. The event is being billed as “a day of celebration, learning, and service,” and the public is encouraged to attend at no charge. Reservations are requested by emailing bedfordembracesdiversity@gmail.com or calling 781-983-1763. Walk-ins also will be welcome. Donations of personal care items for the Middlesex Community College Food Pantry will be collected at the event.”

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Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Breakfast & Cultural Program
Time: Monday January 16th, Community Breakfast – 9:30 am. Cultural Program – 10:00 am.
Location: Reading High School Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading MA

The Town of Reading’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program will feature an Interfaith Invocation by the Reading Clergy Association, guest speakers, art exhibit, and musical performances.

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MLK Day Concert: Routes to Freedom – Music of The Civil Rights Movement
Time: Sunday January 15th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
Location: Follen Church, 75 Lexington Avenue, Lexington MA

Cambridge’s Annual MLK Day Commemoration and Remembrance
Time: Monday January 16th, 11:00 am – 1:45 pm.
Location: Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA.

“All are invited to remember and celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the City of Cambridge’s annual Martin Luther King Day Commemoration and Remembrance, organized by the Cambridge Peace Commission.
The Commemoration will take place beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave., in Central Square, Cambridge. This year’s program will include greetings from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Yi-An Huang and feature remarks by Gail Packer, executive director of the Community Settlement and Dispute Center (CDSC).”

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Community Celebration
Time: Monday January 16th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Location: West Medford Community Center, 111 Arlington Street, Medford MA.

“The West Medford Community Center is having our Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Creating the Change Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  This year, again we are privileged to bring our community together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, we can reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and on the meaning of a beloved community, creating positive change for our communities and addressing equity and equality for all.”

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Peabody Essex Museum
Time: Monday January 16th, 10:00 am – 5:oo pm.
Location: East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem MA.

“Join us as we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the intersection of creativity and community. Celebrate this monumental day by centering Dr. King’s values of equality, freedom and civic inclusion. Through performances, workshops and art making, PEM invites visitors to reflect on the progress we have made in our communities – and the work that remains as we strive for a more just society.”

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