Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health and Human Services Department and the Somerville Public Schools announce the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration event, to be held on Monday, January 20. The annual event will be held at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St., beginning at 10:00 a.m. The celebration will be emceed by Marcus Santos, and will feature musical performances by El Sistema Somerville and the Somerville High School World Percussion Ensemble, as well as readings by the winners of the student essay contest.

A keynote address will be given by Aba Taylor, a social justice educator, facilitator and organizer. Following the speaking program, the Beautiful Stuff Project will facilitate the creation of a community mosaic.

This year the Somerville Human Rights Commission will hold a drive to benefit Project Soup during the event. Attendees are invited to bring toiletries such as shampoos, toilet paper and soap.  

The event is organized in cooperation with the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department, Somerville Public Schools, and the Somerville Human Rights Commission.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.