[Posted Dec. 19, 2007]

Group Announce MLK Observances  

Hampton Roads is gearing up for  the schedule of  annual observances of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

January 5: MLK Family Life Institute

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Life Institute of Chesapeake will host its 2nd Annual Global Family Day prayer breakfast on Saturday, January 5, 2008. The public is invited to attend the prayer breakfast scheduled for the Edmonds Center, 2714 Frederick Boulevard, Portsmouth, 9 a.m.-noon, under the theme, “Families Facing Challenges in an Age of Rebellion.” The Honorable Walter E. Fauntroy, member of the U.S. Congress for 20 years, will be the guest speaker.
 
***

January 17: NSU

Norfolk State University will sponsor its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Observance and Freedom March at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 17. The symbolic march leaves from the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library and proceeds to the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. Immediately following the march, John Charles Thomas, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of Virginia, will deliver the keynote address.

January 22: Old Dominion University

  On January 22, starting at 5:30 p.m., ODU has slated its  24th annual MLK Observance featuring Professor and Poet Nikky Finney, the Grace Hazard Conklin Writer-in Residence, of Smith College.  The event will take  place in the North Cafeteria of the  ODU Student Center.

***

January 21: Urban League

The Urban League of Hampton Roads will host the 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2008 at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, which is located on the campus of Norfolk State University. 
            Inspired by the work of Dr. King, the breakfast recognizes the distinguished service of citizens contributing to the improvement of society.  This year’s theme is "A Charge to Keep." Edward Bullock, an NSU alumnus and vice president for diversity at L’Oreal USA, will be the guest speaker.  His speech will focus on embracing diversity. 

***

January 21: Youth Matters America

     Youth Matter America will present the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition & Community Service Awards on Monday January 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Sinai Church in Portsmouth.
There will be a three-part program featuring a Youth Oratorical Competition (for middle and high school students), the President's Volunteer Service Awards (for youth, adults, families and groups), and the Peace Stamp Design Contest Awards for elementary school students).
Fox News' Kelly Wright will be the Master of Ceremonies and  Hillary  Moyler,  Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen 2007, will be awards  presenter.
 
Announcements of special King Observances and Black History Month events may be emailed to njguide@gmail.com or faxed to 757-543-7220 to mailed to New Journal and Guide, P.O. Box 209, Norfolk, VA 23501.

To read other stories, subscribe to the New Journal and Guide.