A day of service and celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with the Museum of African American History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), present “A Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The event will take place on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 1 p.m. in historic Faneuil Hall.  

“The City of Boston has the great privilege of working with the Museum of African History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras for its 6th annual Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Mayor Walsh. “Dr. King’s message of justice and peace is just as relevant today as it was during the Civil Rights Movement. I invite all Bostonians to join us in this celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

The program will feature a keynote speech by Boston’s Poet Laureate, Danielle Legros Georges, spoken word tributes to Dr. King, and a moving selection of classical music, spirituals, and freedom songs performed by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, conducted by Marta  Zurad. A distinguished group of community leaders will read from some of Dr. King's most memorable writings and speeches. Speakers include Eric Jackson, Host of 89.7 WGBH’s Eric in the Evening; Julie Burros, Chief of Arts + Culture for the City of Boston; and Alisa Magnus, Alumna of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Intensive Community Program. 

In keeping with the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, the Mayor’s Office and Boston Cares will be holding a service event at Madison Park High School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Hundreds of volunteers will have the opportunity to choose from various community service projects, including assembling toddler beds, making fleece blankets, making flash cards, lap desks, and other items. 

A Day of Service and Celebration is presented by TARGET and produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts + Culture.  Events are free and open to the general public.  For further information visit  www.cityofboston.gov/arts.