Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration 2023
Join Reston Community Center to reflect on civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact and legacy. Each January, RCC asks, “Are we keeping the promise?” by welcoming thought leaders, performers, local dignitaries, and community members of all ages to take part in three days of meaningful activities.
The keynote speaker for this year’s program is Heather McGhee, the author of the bestselling book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Us and How We Can Prosper Together. McGhee is a renowned expert on the American economy and is regarded as one of the most brilliant and influential thinkers exploring inequality today.
Her viral TED talk and book reveal the devastating true cost of racism — not just for people of color, but for everyone. McGhee’s talks offer us an actionable roadmap during one of the most critical — and most troubled — periods in history.
The Keynote Address is sold out. Patrons wishing to obtain tickets should come to the CenterStage Box Office window at RCC Hunters Woods to get on a waiting list for released tickets beginning at 10:00 a.m. on January 16, 2023.
Families attending the event may also register children ages 6 to 12 for the MLK Birthday Celebration Especially for Youth on Monday, January 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants will rotate through a series of activities including a performance, an age-appropriate video, and arts and crafts. All activities are based on the history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Lunch will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required in advance.
Other Activities:
Saturday, January 14
Community Service Projects at Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, 12125 Pinecrest Rd., Reston. RCC is partnering with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Reston Association, Cornerstones, and The Closet for community service projects from 9 a.m. to noon. Free; ages 6 and older. Registration through Reston Association. To volunteer, please email Ha Brock.
Reston Community Orchestra’s Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Words and Music as Diverse as the World of Which He Dreamed. 2 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston. Join RCO, Reston vocalist Beverly Cosham and students from Al Fatiah Academy for songs and spirituals loved by Dr. King. Free, but tickets are required through RCC’s Box Office.
Sunday, January 15
Mark G. Meadows: Music and the Movement, 2 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, the CenterStage. Mark G. Meadows & The Movement pay tribute to Dr. King through a mix of jazz, gospel, hip-hop, R&B, and rock. Meadows uses his artistry to send a positive message of love, joy, and hope to his audiences. Tickets are $15 for Reston residents; $20 for non-Reston residents and available at the RCC Box Office or online.
This is a sponsored post. If you are interested in advertising with Northern Virginia Magazine, click here.