Photo by Martin S. Trikosko; Library of Congress public domain photo
Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta Jan. 15, 1929. He was one of the most important and influential Civil Rights leaders in the 1950s and 1960s. The cornerstones of his activism were based on non-violence and civil disobedience, both of which were inspired by his Christian faith and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
The City of Alexandria invites the community to join the 50th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 4 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, located at 101 Callahan Dr.
The event is hosted by Alexandria’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee. Together, we will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and celebrate 50 years of dedication and service.
Special guests include Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson; Alfred Street Baptist Church liturgical dance ministry; Yellow Door Concert Series ensemble and Shiloh Baptist Church Men's Choir.
A small reception will follow.
In 1973, Alexandria civic leader and activist, Alice P. Morgan initiated the City’s first memorial program in honor of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program was endorsed by then Mayor Charles Beatley to be held on King’s birthday upon being approached by Morgan and other citizens. This was a decade prior to President Ronald Reagan signing the holiday bill into law in 1983 and three decades prior to every state recognizing and celebrating Dr. King’s birthday as a National Holiday in 2000.
