Jan. 20 will be a special day for many Americans. The inauguration of President Donald Trump will be taking place in Washington while the nation also celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 under President Ronald Regan to commemorate Dr. King’s achievements during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also the first federal holiday which honors African Americans.
People in Erie can take part in celebrating this federal holiday with multiple events around the area. We’ve compiled a list for local observances. If you know of any other events taking place, please email nsorensen@gannett.com or add your event to the GoErie.com/calendar.
Dr. King Awards Dinner on Saturday
The 14th annual Dr. King Awards Dinner, which is sold out for this year, is an event which celebrates and recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to equality and justice.
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Those with tickets to the event will attend at the MLK Center at 312 Chestnut St. on Jan. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
This year the guest speaker for the awards dinner will be Pennsylvania House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris.
MLK Day parade in downtown Erie on Monday
The annual MLK Day march will take place on Jan. 20 beginning at noon in Perry Square in downtown Erie. Participants will assemble beginning at 11 a.m.
The march will start in Perry Square and then head west on West Sixth Street and then proceed north on Chestnut Street toward the Martin Luther King Center at 312 Chestnut St.
Following the march there will be a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial program at the MLK Center.
Contact the Martin Luther King Jr. Center at 814-459-2761 for any questions.
Penn State Behrend to participate in downtown walk
Penn State Behrend students, faculty and staff will participate in Erie’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day march Monday at Perry Square.
A shuttle will depart from the Reed Union Building at 4851 College Drive at 11:15 a.m. and will return at 3 p.m.
‘King’s Dream’ at Penn State Behrend
On Friday, Penn State Behrend will hold a multimedia presentation “King’s Dream” that captures the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. The presentation begins at noon in Bruno’s Cafe in the Reed Union Building at 4851 College Drive.
The program features archival film footage, songs and live commentary that explores the story of Dr. King’s perseverance and inspiration. More details can be found at keyartsproductions.com/kings-dream/
Gannon to show Martin Luther King Jr. documentary
On Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gannon University will be showing a Martin Luther King Jr. documentary, “Martin Luther King Jr. — The Fight for Civil Rights,” on the second floor of the Waldron Campus Center at 628 Peach St.
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Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: MLK Day: Parade among Erie events honoring civil rights leader