This event was established as a university-community
partnership in 1995 to celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. For the past twelve years, hundreds of members of our diverse community have
gathered at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center to eat together, participate
in workshops, sing and celebrate, and most importantly to honor the life of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the past, the Johnson Museum
of Art, History Center, the Sciencenter and Cornell’s REACH program have sponsored
children’s activities. Young adult and adult programs have included topics such
as a Youth-Elder Speakout, a panel discussion entitled “Do you know who I am?”
to challenge all of us to be aware of and embrace diversity and inclusiveness
and presentations on military recruitment in the local high schools, and a presentation
by Ithaca College’s MLK Scholars on their civil rights tour.
The program is generously supported by the local community via contributions
and donations of food and other items including that of volunteers assist throughout
the day. If you are interested in volunteering to set up, decorate, prepare food,
serve lunch, and clean up after the event, contact Amy Somchanhmavong (ayk3@cornell.edu
or 254-8072).
This event continues to affirm an essential goal of the Martin Luther King holiday,
which is to Make it a day ON! Not a day off. If you would like to participate
in the planning of next year’s event, please contact the Public Service Center
at 255-1148.
