MLK Celebration, Day Of Service Activities Available To Howard County Residents

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — There will be multiple events this weekend to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a celebration in the Smith Theatre at Howard Community College’s Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, followed by a day of service on Monday, which will include in-person and virtual events ranging from food drives to activities at the county’s Harriett Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia. For a complete list of activities, visit the Commission’s website.

“The MLK Celebration and Day of Service promotes unity, understanding and offers meaningful opportunities for our residents to learn about Dr. King and emulate his commitment to community stewardship while promoting equality and justice,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This celebration affords us the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our students and community leaders serving, protecting and advocating for all of us here in Howard County. Together, we can uplift the legacy of Dr. King and ensure that Howard County is the best place to live, work, play, grow and thrive for all.”

Sunday’s family-friendly, multi-cultural event will include musical performances, dramatic presentations, a keynote address by HCC graduate and student at The Johns Hopkins University Israah Ansari, along with the recognition of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award recipients and student essay, oratory and poster contest winners. The event will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception followed by an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

“This celebration is a powerful reminder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s extraordinary courage and resilience,” said Howard County Office of Human Rights Administrator Yolanda F. Sonnier. “Each year, our office looks forward to honoring students, organizations and community members who keep King’s mission at the forefront. The day of service inspires positive change that transcends barriers and brings us closer to realizing Dr. King’s dream of a just and harmonious society.”

The “Living the Dream” Award honors individuals and organizations who exemplify the work and legacy of Dr. King. This year’s honorees are Bruce Leuthold and the Luminus Network for New Americans.

For the student essay, oratory and poster contest winners are:

Essay Contest – High School

• 1st Place: Sid Bajaj, 11th Grade, Glenelg Country School
• 2nd Place: Danielle Fonmedig, 12th Grade, Long Reach High School
• 3rd Place: Kallie Payne, 10th Grade, Reservoir High School

Essay Contest – Middle School

• 1st Place: Jocara Knight, Jr., 8th Grade, Oakland Mills Middle School
• 2nd Place: Olanna Ezeji, 7th Grade, Patapsco Middle School
• 3rd Place: Lena Porter, 8th Grade, Mayfield Woods Middle School

Oratory Contest – High School

• 1st Place: James Jiyu Obasiolu, 11th Grade, Atholton High School

Oratory Contest – Middle School

• 1st Place: Alani Jordan, 7th Grade, Glenelg Country School

Poster Contest – Middle School

• 1st Place: Crystal McGeehan, 8th Grade, Folly Quarter Middle School
• 2nd Place: Neema Jones, 8th Grade, Elkridge Landing Middle School
• 3rd Place: Liv Kaur, 6th Grade, Clarksville Middle School

Poster Contest – Elementary School

• 1st Place: Avery Richardson, 5th Grade, Fulton Elementary School
• 2nd Place: Jordan Knight, 5th Grade, Stevens Forest Elementary School
• 3rd Place: Monreaux West ,4th Grade, Gorman Crossing Elementary School