MLK Day and the inauguration of a new president are rarely celebrated on the same day in the same country, but this year’s activities also coincide with the nation’s grief at the death of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
This month, in honor of President Carter’s lifetime of service and sacrifice, flags will fly at half-staff around the country.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, a military corpse bearer team transports former President Jimmy Carter’s casket inside Atlanta’s Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum so it can rest in peace. At the age of 100, Carter passed away on December 29.Anderson, Brynn, AP, pool
Among the many characteristics that President Carter and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King had in common were their strong religious beliefs, compassion for the underprivileged, disenfranchised, and disenfranchised, and dedication to human rights both domestically and internationally. They both had a steadfast desire for a more caring and humane world as well as a better America. They ought to encourage all Americans to follow suit.
King’s birthday is officially being celebrated on January 20, the day President-elect Donald Trump takes office, and there will be a number of events throughout our region that will center around the subject of hope.
A “King Sized America” will be the topic of author Michael Eric Dyson’s speech at the Hershey Lodge’s MLK Banquet on January 15.Harrisburg’s Penn State
A number of events are scheduled throughout the region in addition to the Jan. 20MLK Day of Service activities. One such event is the Penn State Harrisburg MLK banquet, which will take place at the Hershey Lodge on the day of King’s birth at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is also supporting the event, which costs $100 per ticket and features a speech by author and clergyman Michael Eric Dyson on a King Sized America. For $1000, tables of ten can be rented; however, tickets must be purchased in advance. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, January 8. Following that, Dr. Wanda B. Knight can be reached via email at [email protected] with any questions.
The Penn State Harrisburg MLK luncheon has grown to be a significant occasion for bringing our community together around the admirable values of public service and respect for diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism.
From 3-5 p.m., high school authors will have the opportunity to perform at the 2025 MLK International Poetry & Storytelling Festival presented by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. The Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., Sunday, Jan. 19.
The 2025 International Poetry & Storytelling Festival invites high school students to submit creative poems or short stories with the theme of “infinite hope.”Harrisburg World Affairs Council
Students are encouraged to compose poetry or short tales based on one of Rev. King’s most significant quotes: We must accept finite disappointment but never lose limitless hope. PennLive is the event’s media sponsor.
In February 1968, only two months before he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, King delivered his famous words of hope.
To honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., numerous events are being conducted throughout Central Pennsylvania. This is Dr. King’s speech during the Chicago peace march on March 25, 1967. (Chick Harrity/AP Photo)AP
Renowned poets including Maria James Thiaw, author of the poetry collection Count Each Breath, and the Rev. Nathaniel Gadsden, author of multiple poetry collections and founder of the Writers Wordshop, will be featured at the event, which will take place at The Civic Club of Harrisburg on Sunday, January 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. Another partner group for the event is the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
In honor of MLK Day in Central Pennsylvania, PennLive is encouraging young authors to participate in the 2025 International Poetry & Storytelling Competition.Harrisburg World Affairs Council
Registration is necessary, but admission to the MLK International Poetry & Storytelling Festival is free: https://tinyurl.com/MLKFest25.
Original pieces by student poets and storytellers are due on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. To submit, go to https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/hMwsl7QaOdeEGxGoes3NKw or send an email to [email protected] prior to the deadline of January 10.
As finalists in the 2024 MLK International Poetry & Storytelling Festival, which was presented at the Civic Club on Sunday, January 14, 2024, by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, student poets display their prizes. The event was sponsored by The Patriot-News and PennLive.Image courtesy of Michelle Angert
Every year, young authors from Central Pennsylvania schools come to participate in the MLK International & Poetry Festival and high school writing competition.
Original poems or short stories that address the issue should be submitted by student authors. The top three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, who will also read their works and award them awards.
Both King and Carter dedicated their lives to promoting diversity, equity, and justice for all Americans, and the festival serves as a platform for the community to unite around these values.
PennLive’s Outreach & Opinion Editor is Joyce M. Davis. You can follow her on Twitter at @byjoycedavis and Facebook.
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