Modestans have a long history of celebrating the American civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s events include an appearance by civil rights movement leader Malcolm X’s daughter, a community luncheon and more. Here’s what you need to know about several annual events that will take place across the city.
King-Kennedy Board of Directors annual luncheon
The annual Rev. Martin Lutther King Jr. luncheon, hosted by the King-Kennedy Memorial Center Board of Directors, will see a change in venue this year.
Traditionally it is held at the center, but that location is currently under construction, said Deborah Sullivan, board president and coordinator of the event.
This year Evan Wade, chairman of the Department of History and Social Justice Studies at San Joaquin Delta College, will give the keynote address. The opening ceremony will feature members of the local Project Uplift chapter, a group dedicated to pairing youth with local mentors and providing pathways to higher education.
The luncheon is a fundraiser for scholarships the board awards to local high schoolers planning to attend college.
“We’re just asking for the people to come out and to join the board doing their best to edify the education of the Black culture,” Sullivan said.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan.17
Where: Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St.
Cost: $28.52, tickets available through Eventbrite
Christian Love Baptist Church annual commemoration
Rev. Darius O. Crosby, pastor at Greater Glory Community Church, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s commemoration event at the Christian Love Baptist Church in Modesto.
The event was streamed to the church’s YouTube page last year.
Modesto City Councilman Jeremiah Williams said he and other members of the council plan to attend.
“In the eyes of God on this, and I’m not trying to be Jesus Junior saying this, but the challenges that we have in this life, until we view each other as family, we’re going to keep having challenges. When we get to the point where we can see each other as one family, regardless of race, creed or color, we’re on the path to victory,” Crosby said.
When: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19
Where: Christian Love Baptist Church, 202 H St., Modesto
Cost: Free
32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
In February, Modesto Junior College, Stanislaus State, the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods Department and the Modesto Peace/Life Center will host the 32nd annual commemoration.
This year, Malcolm X’s daughter and author Ilyasah Shabazz will be the keynote speaker and hold a book signing for attendees, likely in partnership with MJC’s campus bookstore.
In the past, keynote speakers for the event included civil rights leaders who were “in the thick of the civil rights movement,” said Jim Costello, vice chair for the Modesto Peace/Life Center Board. Some notable previous names include Cornel West, Danny Glover and Dick Gregory.
Odessa Johnson will be this year’s MLK Legacy Award winner, but she will not be able to attend in person. A loved one will receive the award in her stead.
Johnson was the first Black teacher at Modesto High School and is regarded as a local civil rights leader.
When: Doors open 6 p.m. and the program begins 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: MJC Performing Arts and Media Center, East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto
Cost: Free
Vivienne Aguilar is a reporter for The Modesto Focus, a project of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Contact Aguilar at vivienne@cvlocaljournalism.org.