Mesa Honors Legacy, Hosts Multiple MLK Celebrations

Mesa, AZ - “Many Faces, One Community” is the theme of several celebrations in the City of Mesa that honor the leadership and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The events are organized by the Mesa Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and include: 

• Friday, Jan. 16.  Candlelight Ceremony 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Church, 4410 E. University Drive (NE plaza at Greenfield and University).
• Saturday, Jan. 17.  Night of Tribute 6 p.m-9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Westwood High School Auditorium, 945 W. 8th St.  Program includes music, film and speeches honoring the legacy of Dr. King and features nationally recognized gospel and jazz singer Margo Reed.
• Monday, Jan. 19.  MLK Breakfast 8 a.m-10 a.m. at Mesa Marriott, 200 N. Centennial Way.  Program includes Freedom Writer Maria Reyes, who contributed to the New York Times best-selling book “The Freedom Writers Diaries,” which became a popular 1997 movie. Tickets $35.
• Monday, Jan. 19.  MLK Parade 11 a.m.-1 p.m. along Center Street in Downtown Mesa.
• Monday, Jan. 19.  MLK Festival Noon-3 p.m. at Mesa Amphitheater.  Program includes performances by dancers and singers and a reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  Food and drinks will be available for sale.  

The annual MLK celebrations in Mesa were created after residents, in 1996, voted to establish a citywide holiday recognizing the leadership of Dr. King.  For more information on the various MLK celebrations in Mesa and to purchase tickets to the MLK Breakfast, visit www.mesamlk.org.

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