Baratunde Thurston Brings His Wit And Wisdom To Reston's Annual MLK Birthday Celebration

RESTON, VA — The Reston 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration is returning to the Reston Community Center - Hunter Woods, with some COVID-19 restrictions in place due to the rise in Omicron variant cases in Virginia.

Renowned author Heather McGhee will deliver the keynote address at a community luncheon to be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, at the CenterStage and Community Room at RCC Hunters Woods.

“We are carefully returning to a Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration where we can come together as a community to honor Dr. King’s legacy,” said Beverly Cosham, chair of RCC’s Board of Governors. “Now more than ever, it is important to ask ourselves ‘are we keeping the promise?’ We will remember the human rights for which Dr. King laid down his life and replenish our spirits with those who share the passion for justice that fuels the movement toward a truly free society.”

Tickets for the luncheon, which are $5 for Reston residents and employees and $10 for others, may be purchased the CenterStage Box Office or by calling 703-476-4500.

Mask will be required at all times indoors except for when participants are eating or drinking. Self-contained meals will be provided at the luncheon rather than a buffet as in years past.

Reston's weekend honoring King's birthday is presented by RCC in cooperation with the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church, the Office of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Reston Community Orchestra and area schools.

The following events are also taking place during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in Reston:

Baratunde Thurston - 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, at RCC Hunters Woods – the CenterStage. Well-known comedian, writer and activist will hold space for complex conversations mixing humor, wisdom and compassion. Tickets are $15 Reston/Non-Reston and available through CenterStage Box Office.

Especially for Youth - 10:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 17, at RCC Hunters Woods. This free program designed for children 6-12 will offer age-appropriate video and arts and crafts addressing the history of King and the Civil Rights Movement. A self-contained lunch will be offered. Registration required in advance. (Reg. #704750-2A)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Exhibit runs throughout January at RCC Hunter Woods and will feature artwork from Reston's elementary schools that celebrates King's work and life.