RCC To Present 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

RESTON, VA — Reston Community Center's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration will be marking its 36th year on MLK Weekend, with a number of virtual and in-person events planned to honor the civil rights leader.

Beginning 2 p.m., on Jan. 16, RCC's RCC’s YouTube will be offering the following virtual presentations:

Reston Community Orchestra and a mixed community chorus will perform a socially distance version of Lift Every Voice and Sing, which will be recorded at the CentreStage. The presentation will include short home recordings from Al Faith Academy students.

Akua Allrich and the Tribe will present a prerecorded performance for Reston schools. The public is encouraged to enjoy the performance online.

Reflections from Elected Officials: Local officials, including Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn, County Executive Bryan Hill, and School Board Representative Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill), will share their thoughts on King and the civil rights movement.

During MLK Weekend, RCC will host the following in-person activities and performances:

Community Service Projects: RCC Hunter Woods, Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m.-11 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 18, from 12:30-2 p.m. Members of the public ages 6 and older are encouraged to participate in community service projects. Children under the age of 14 may volunteer, but they must be accompanied by an adult/guardian age 18 and older. To volunteer, contact Ha Brock, Reston Association's Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator: 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org.

Akua Allrich and The Tribe present a Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba Tribute at the CenterStage/RCC Hunter Woods on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Reston residents and $30 for non-residents.

As part of this year's celebration, RCC is conducting a toiletries drive through Jan. 18 at RCC Hunters Woods and RCC Lake Anne. Needed items include soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and deodorant. The items will be donated to Cornerstones, which will distribute them to local families in need. Gift cards are also welcome.