***This release was written and distributed by the City of Kentwood.Â
The City of Kentwood and Kent District Library will host an evening of reflection, inspiration and action Jan. 21 to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day event will take place 5-7:30 p.m. at KDL’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will feature remarks by Mayor Stephen Kepley and author, speaker and diversity, equity and inclusion leader Julian S. Newman as well as a reading by Kentwood Youth Advisory students, live music and more.
“We are pleased to partner with Kent District Library in offering this wonderful opportunity for community members to gather, learn and reflect on the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “I encourage all to join us for this meaningful event and find ways we can apply his message to enhance our own community.”
“KDL is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of inspiring and engaging programs that explore his message of justice, equality and community," Kent District Library Volunteer Coordinator Deb Schultz said. “We are excited to share the opportunity to listen to Julian Newman speak about engaging in our communities in a positive way and reinforcing KDL's mission to further all people.”
The full event schedule is as follows:
· 5-6 p.m. – Meet and greet with light refreshments and youth activities facilitated by the Kentwood Youth Advisory Council and Parks and Recreation staff.
· 6 p.m. – Opening remarks by Mayor Kepley.
· 6:15 p.m. – Musical performance by Donta’ Young.
· 6:20 p.m. – Recital by Kentwood Youth Advisory students.
· 6:25 p.m. – Musical performance by Donta’ Young.
· 6:30-7 p.m. – Remarks by Newman about building beloved communities through leadership.
· 7-7:30 p.m. – Book signing by Newman.
Experienced in community organizing and civic engagement, Julian S. Newman is an advocate for social justice and community leadership and is the founder and CEO of Culture Creative and The FutureCast Foundation. His book “Beautiful Together: How to Become a Better Leader and Bridge Builder” explores the power of leadership in creating inclusive and equitable communities. Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $29.99.
All community members are encouraged to attend this no-cost event. Learn more about the Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Kentwood.us/MLKDay. Explore other Kent District Library events celebrating King at kdl.org/MLK.
