Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations Set for Jan. 18

On January 17, 2010, in Uncategorized, by The News Staff

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Director of the Office of Commissions Sonja Darai, and the Somerville Human Rights Commission announced that the City will hold its annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 18 in the Somerville High School auditorium, 81 Highland Ave., beginning at 10a.m.

The ceremony will include a keynote address by Assistant Director of Peace and Justice Studies at Tufts University, Professor Dale Bryan, as well as award presentations to a community member and community organization for excellence in community service.

"Dr. King left a lasting legacy of hope, civic pride, and peace, and as a community we strive to uphold and continue that legacy, particularly by coming together in his memory each year," Mayor Curtatone said. "Today, we are lucky to enjoy some of the most fundamental liberties for all individuals, and there is no better way to celebrate than as a community on this important day. We are also lucky to have some of the most dedicated community partners in Somerville, and I look forward to honoring two such partners at the event on Monday."

This year's award recipients are Melissa McWhinney of the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), and the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services.

The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Director of the Office of Somerville Commissions Sonja Darai at 617-625-6600 ext 2406, or SDarai@somervillema.gov.