US Attorney To Join Salina Celebration

Salina is preparing to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A series of events begin on Friday.

According to organizers, the theme for the 2014 weekend and holiday is Remember! Celebrate!! Act!!!

A variety of events including an open-mic presentation, a literacy program, two celebration services, and a potluck dinner are available for community participation this year.

Activities include an open-mic presentation, “The Dream Edition,” organized by cash.hollistah. The session takes place on Friday, at 7:30 p.m. at Ad Astra Books & Coffeehouse, 141 N. Santa Fe. The featured poet is Marrque Nunley. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult, as some poems may contain explicit content. Admission is $5.

On Saturday, the Volunteer Connection will conduct a literacy program from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street. Information to promote reading and writing for all ages will be distributed and writers will be available throughout the day to share their work and answer questions. For information, please contact Dick Godfrey at The Volunteer Connection, 785-823-3128.

On Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., the annual Community Potluck Dinner will take place at host church The Salvation Army, 1137 N. Santa Fe. Participants are asked to bring a dish to share. Entertainment will be provided by guest artist Joel McCray, a keyboardist and music minister from Arlington, Texas. The potluck dinner will be followed by a choir rehearsal led by Ramona Newsom, Celebration choir director.

On Sunday, at 3:30 p.m., the annual Celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will take place at The Salvation Army. Featured speaker is Barry R. Grissom, United States Attorney, District of Kansas. A variety of musical numbers and readings will comprise the Celebration, including featured guest artist Joel McCray.

On Monday, a service targeted toward youth will be held at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago, beginning at 12 noon.

The appearance of Joel McCray is made possible by Salina Arts & Humanities. These events are also facilitated by the City of Salina Department of Human Relations.