This week and upcoming weekend many community organizations and government offices will take time out to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday is observed Monday as a national holiday.
One Renton-area presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Renton Civic Theater, 507 Third St.
It’s called “The Dream 2011” and its sponsor is the non-profit group NorthCo Development Inc.
“The Dream 2011” is a stage presentation of American history through the eyes of African-American accounts of the struggles of more than 400 years from slavery to today. It will feature local actors and the art work of Tacoma artist, Dionne Bonner, whose portraits of Washington state’s first African-American pioneers will be a part of the set.
The presentation features drama, music and little-known historical facts about African-American history and accomplishments in this state and across the country.
“Our angle is that America should be celebrating the many changes that we’ve had to make to get to where we are,” said Don Shorter, NorthCo Development co-founder.
The idea for “The Dream 2011” started 10 years ago, said Shorter, and the production started work about a month ago. It is their first annual production; the group hopes to stage the presentation every year.
Next year the group hopes to fund scholarships as part of the celebration.
Shorter said the idea is to inspire and teach others to dream again.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
24th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION
WHAT: King County and its employees invite the public to join in honoring the life of the inspirational man and his vision of an America of opportunity for all. Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones will be the keynote speaker discussing the impact of race on national health and well-being. Young people will receive the 2011 Essay Award on the theme “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”
WHEN: Noon-1 p.m., Jan. 13
WHERE: Fifth Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave., Seattle
COST: Free
“THE DREAM 2011”
WHAT: A stage presentation of American history through the eyes of African Americans and their experiences of more than 400 years from slavery to present day.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 14
WHERE: Renton Civic Theater, 507 Third St., Renton
COST: Free
MORE INFO.: www.TheDream2011.com
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2011
WHAT: The Seattle Center will offer awards and entertainment in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The celebration includes the presentation of the Peace Award, staged readings, and a musical tribute to Billie Holiday.
WHEN: 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 15
WHERE: Seattle Center House, 370 Thomas Street, Seattle
COST: Free
