KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The Martin Luther King Jr. CommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area, Inc. has unveiled plans for its 24th Annual MLK Weekend Observance, scheduled for January 18-20, 2025. Themed “We STILL Have a Dream,” this year’s festivities will celebrate resilience and progress while fostering community unity through a series of engaging events.
The three-day commemoration will begin on Saturday, January 18, with the “Change for Change” coin collection event. Held at the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union in Kennett Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the initiative encourages public donations to support local food programs. All funds will benefit the Kennett Food Cupboard or the West Grove Bridge Food Pantry, based on the donor’s choice.
The observance continues Sunday, January 19, with a free film screening and discussion centered on the Civil Rights Movement. This event will take place at the Kennett Library from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The same evening, the MLK Eve Worship Service is scheduled at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, located at 401 N. Union Street, Kennett Square, at 7 p.m. The worship service will feature moving performances by the Kennett Community Choir, directed by Leon Spencer and Joan Holliday.
The centerpiece of the weekend, the MLK Day Observance, will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Lincoln University Wellness Center. Starting at 10 a.m., the program will include a Fellowship Brunch, inspirational messages, and a keynote address by renowned historian Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. Dr. Higginbotham, the Victor S. Thomas Professor of History and African American Studies at Harvard University, is a leading scholar in African American religion and history. She has served as the National President of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, an organization founded by Carter G. Woodson.
Dr. Higginbotham’s speech is expected to inspire reflection and dialogue. Her distinguished career, which includes groundbreaking research, teaching, and leadership, aligns with the theme of this year’s observance, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of peace and unity.
Following the keynote program, the “Be A King” Volunteer Fair will take place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the same venue. This event will connect local nonprofit and community-based organizations with participants seeking volunteer opportunities. Open to the public, the fair aims to encourage civic engagement and support for causes benefiting the community.
Tickets for the MLK Day Observance are available for $50, with a discounted price of $20 for students with valid identification. Early Bird tickets can be purchased until December 15, 2024. Registration is open at the Kennett Library or via phone at 215-820-1164.
The Martin Luther King Jr. CommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area is dedicated to advancing Dr. King’s dream of peace, equality, and harmony. Through impactful programs and events, the organization continues to strengthen community bonds and set a powerful example of active citizenship.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.