{"id":10863,"date":"2024-01-11T14:29:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T14:29:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=10863"},"modified":"2024-01-11T14:38:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T14:38:10","slug":"city-and-utoledo-to-host-mlk-day-celebrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2024\/01\/11\/city-and-utoledo-to-host-mlk-day-celebrations\/","title":{"rendered":"City and UToledo to Host MLK Day Celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Erin Baker, Chair of the City of Toledo Human Relations Commission<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Dawn Scotland<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The City of Toledo held a press conference on January 4 to announce this year\u2019s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. The events, which will span four days this year from January 12- Jan 15, will feature thought provoking and impactful events, keynote speakers and engaging community activities. During the announcement, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz\u00a0presented Toledo native and fashion designer Darryl Brown, founder and creative director of Midwest Kids Inc. and Darryl Brown LLC a Key to the City of Toledo.<\/p>\n

The City of Toledo, University of Toledo, and Human Relations Commission of Toledo are collaborating this year to bring the 2024 MLK Experience and Unity Day Celebration Programming. This celebration will be the 23rd<\/sup> annual Unity Day. The theme this year is \u201cI AM the Dream.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

The press conference Thursday featured Mayor Kapszukiewicz; Dr. Gregory Postel, University of Toledo president; Erin Baker, Chair, Human Relations Commission, and Malaika Bell, director of UT\u2019s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Mayor Kapszukiewicz presented the Key to the City to Toledo native and 2004 Rogers High School graduate Brown in recognition for his outstanding achievements in the fashion and entertainment industries. Brown will also be a featured speaker for the upcoming event.<\/p>\n

The 2024 MLK Weekend Experience programs:<\/p>\n

Friday January 12, 2024 \u2013 Kick-off Open Mic at Poetry Night at Lucille\u2019s Jazz Lounge <\/strong><\/p>\n

The theme is Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop. The doors open at 7:15 p.m. and performances will begin at 8 p.m.\u00a0Tickets<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0are available in the range of $10 to $32, providing an opportunity for everyone to participate in the celebration of poetry and spoken word. It promises to be a night filled with inspiration and cultural resonance, setting the tone for a weekend dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.<\/p>\n

Saturday, January 13, 2024 \u2013 The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 32nd Annual MLK Scholarship Breakfast. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Join the community in commemorating the achievements of our College Scholarship Awardees in an event dedicated to fostering education and community support. Attendees are encouraged to get their tickets early because space will be limited.<\/p>\n

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Darryl Brown, Founder and Creative Director of Midwest Kids Inc., and Darryl Brown LLC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sunday, January 14,\u00a02024 \u2013 Rest, Rejoice, and Restoration<\/strong>
\nThis a day for Rest, Rejoicing, and Restoration at the place of your choosing.<\/p>\n

Monday, January 15, 2024 \u2013 MLK Unity Day (Virtual) hosted by Alexis Means and presented by the Human Relations Commission and the University of Toledo. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The event will be virtual from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and streamed on the City of Toledo’s Facebook page,\u00a0BCAN<\/strong><\/a>, and the University of Toledo’s website and at the\u00a0Human Relations Commission<\/strong><\/a> page <\/strong>featuring influential guest speakers and local performers.<\/p>\n

The keynote speaker Rosa Alicia Clemente, an influential organizer, independent journalist, producer, and scholar activist, will highlight the event. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Clemente is renowned for her activism and advocacy in the Black-Latinx community. She is the first Afro-Latina woman to run for vice president in 2008.<\/p>\n

In addition, the discussion on “I AM the Dream” promises to be a highlight, inspiring reflection and engagement at the Unity Day Celebration.<\/p>\n

Other speakers include:<\/p>\n