Jan 11, 2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 11, 2023) – Monday, January 16, 2023 will mark Lexington’s 50th anniversary of the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a US Federal holiday that honors the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is also the only national holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer for opportunities to improve their communities in a variety of ways.
The MLK Holiday Observance in Lexington provides an opportunity for the community to come together to honor King’s legacy of freedom, justice, peace and equal opportunity for all Americans. The annual march and program draws participation of several thousand people from across Central Kentucky and beyond. The theme of the 2023 MLK holiday observance is "MLK Holiday 50th Anniversary: A Half Century Of Lighting Candles Of Hope Against The Threat Of Darkness."
The program keynote speaker this year is David Hall, president of the University of the Virgin Islands. Hall is also a distinguished legal scholar who is recognized internationally for his contributions to legal scholarship on race, social justice, leadership and constitutional law. The internationally renowned youth choral ensemble Uniting Voices Chicago will be the featured artists at the Commemorative Program.
On this episode of Behind the Blue, Jay Alexander, the programming and music director for WBTF-FM in Lexington and member of the Lexington-Fayette MLK Holiday Celebration Committee talks about the significance of 50 years of observance, the opportunities the event opens doors to, the year-round impact the day has on the greater community, and more.
If you’re interested in more information regarding the Lexington-Fayette Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Program, visit uky.edu/mlk. The annual Freedom March will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 16th, and concludes with the Commemorative Program held at the Central Bank Center at 2 p.m. The march begins and ends at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
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