41st Annual Southfield MLK Peace Walk Celebration Set for Monday, January 19

The City of Southfield and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will host the 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk Celebration on Monday, January 19, beginning at 9 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway. This year's theme is "Crafting the Dream in a Peaceful and Sustainable World Rooted in Dignity, Democracy, and Nonviolence."

The Peace Walk will begin at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium of Hope United Methodist Church with an opening ceremony chaired by Dorothy Dean. The program will feature opening remarks, comments from Mayor Ken Siver, and recognition of participating organizations. Following the ceremony, participants will continue the Peace Walk to the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, for an 11 a.m. program. Community members are asked to arrive by 9 a.m. at the Hope United Methodist Church gymnasium to participate. Mayor Ken Siver, along with Police Chief Elvin Baren, will lead the walk, accompanied by the Pathfinders drum corps. The program at the Southfield Pavilion will include a keynote presentation by the Selma Foot Soldiers, dance performances by the Dance Zone Center and The Hindu Temple Rhythm Dancer, and a vendor display. All events are free and open to the public.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will also recognize youth for their community service during the MLK Youth Service Awards on January 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church. This event celebrates the outstanding achievements of young people who are making a positive impact

in the community. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at: https://www.mlktaskforcemi.org/events-1/youth-service-awards For additional information about the Youth Service Awards email [email protected] or call (248) 629-0656.

In addition, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, in partnership with Forgotten Harvest Food Bank, will host a food drive on Friday, January 16, from 2-4 p.m. at the Southfield Parks & Recreation parking lot. Families in need may drive through the circular drive and follow posted directions to receive a free food box. Food boxes will be available to the first 125 households.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. is an all-volunteer grassroots civic organization dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The organization is committed to advancing Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence, social justice, youth education, and community engagement through planned observances and year-round outreach.

Southfield was the first city in the state of Michigan to host a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk. The inaugural walk took place on January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr. King's birthday. The event continues to grow in size and impact each year.

For general information, call the MLK Task Force hotline at (248) 924-9655 or visit https://www.mlktaskforcemi.org.