The City of Toledo and the University of Toledo, in partnership with the Human Relations Commission (HRC), are proud to announce this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. virtual celebration, centered on the theme “Building Bridges and Breaking Bread.” This year’s events emphasize unity, reflection, and service while honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
Virtual Video Celebration
This virtual event, broadcast on the City of Toledo’s Facebook, BCAN, and the University of Toledo’s website, features influential guest speakers:
* Lelia Harris – Founder of Lelia’s Promise
* Skylar Howard – UToledo Undergraduate
* Alexander Raby – Student, Horizon Science Academy
* Bryson Foster – UToledo CCP and Early College Student
* Kylah Griffin – Social Work Student, University of Toledo
* Dr. Monita Mungo – Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Toledo
The video also features remarks from Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Councilmember Brittany Jones, PhD, and UT Interim President Schroeder.
Video Release Details:
* Available for Download: Wednesday, January 15
* Broadcast: Monday, January 20, 6:00 PM
Celebrate Together: Imagination Station Viewing Party
The community is invited to join local officials, neighbors, and friends for a special in-person viewing party of the MLK virtual celebration video. This event on Friday, January 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Imagination Station, provides an opportunity to come together, reflect on Dr. King’s principles, and celebrate his legacy with others in the Toledo community.
The event is open to the public, with an official invite available early this week.
Community Engagement Activities
In alignment with the theme “Breaking Bread,” the public is encouraged to support local businesses and community initiatives, including:
* SAME Café (Main Library, Toledo Lucas County Public Library): Open January 13–17, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, serving healthy meals on a donation basis.
* Grindhrs Coffee and Community (625 Adams Street): Offering free coffee during MLK weekend while supplies last.
Winter Outreach Initiative:
To further foster a sense of community, 150 beanie hats purchased from Cause and Effect Printing & Manufacturing, a local Black-owned business, will be distributed to local shelters to support residents in need.
Additional Events
* Scholarship Breakfast: The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast will take place Saturday, January 18, at 9:00 AM at the Pinnacle. Click here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/33rd-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-scholarship-breakfast-tickets-1090071977629?aff=erelexpmlt) for tickets.
* Toledo Museum of Art: Join us at the Toledo Museum of Art on January 20, 2025, for a day of inspiration, reflection, and community. Through engaging programs and hands-on activities, this year’s theme, “More than a Dream,” (https://toledomuseum.org/events/events-info/mlk-day-more-than-a-dream) celebrates Dr. King’s vision and the ongoing pursuit of justice, creativity, and hope. Explore the power of art to spark change and connect us all as we honor his enduring legacy.
The City of Toledo, the University of Toledo, and HRC invite all community members to reflect on Dr. King’s principles, engage with local events, and contribute to acts of service. The event details, as well as a printable flyer, are available on the city’s website at toledo.oh.gov/mlk.
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