By SALINA POST
Information Courtesy of the Salina NAACP
Salina and Saline County residents are invited to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy with a series of community events from January 19 to 20, 2025. Organized under the theme "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy," the celebrations will feature multiple speakers and activities across different venues in Salina.
The events will begin on Sunday, January 19, with a Citywide Celebration at 3 p.m. at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, located at 304 W. Grand Avenue. The program will include presentations by Kirk Holt, Dr. Ralita Cheeks, and Rafael Mendez, focusing on Dr. King's enduring principles and resilience.
On Monday, January 20, activities will start with the Beloved Community Commemorative Service, featuring Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. This event will be streamed online via Fox 5 Atlanta's website, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Salina at 901 Beatrice, will host a public viewing. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and light refreshments will be provided.
At noon on Jan. 20 a youth-centered celebration will take place at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago Street. The keynote speaker will be Salina native Royce Haynes, Chief Product Officer of Aspect. The event will also feature musical performances by choirs from Salina South and Salina Central High Schools.
The event will conclude at 7 p.m. at Kansas Wesleyan University's Sams Chapel, 100 E. Claflin Avenue, with a keynote address by Kirk Holt of Mansfield, Texas. Holt, a Salina Central graduate and president of the Dunbar School Alumni Association, will share insights from his distinguished career in banking and public service.
Since 1931, the Salina Branch of the NAACP has worked to promote equality among. and oppose discrimination against, ALL people.