Monday is Martin Luther King Day. Here are some events happening locally

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an annual federal holiday since 1986, celebrates the national civil rights leader who was instrumental in challenging the racial caste system. For this year’s 38th observance locals across the region can commemorate King’s achievements with an assortment of events, including a few in-person options.

Urnice Elliot- Jefferson, Mohawk Valley Frontiers President, said we must move beyond our platitudes to embrace unity.

“Once we honor our nation’s past,” said Elliot-Johnson, “we can step into a kinder future.”

Breakfast, tribute march

The nation’s oldest civil rights organization– National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)– will host two local events to honor Dr. King on Monday, January 15.

Rome NAACP is holding a commemorative breakfast service at Zion Episcopal Church. The keynote speaker, Pastor James Scrutchins, will kick off the event at 7:30 a.m. and the Delta Lake Kawanis Club will prepare breakfast.

Admission costs $20 for adults and $15 for students; tickets can be purchased at the door.

Rome NAACP President Jacqueline Nelson views the holiday as a call to action.

“As we witness nations around the world continue to struggle under the weight of violence, hate and poverty, today's social, political and economic landscape reveals the urgent necessity of Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of non-violence, as a sustainable solution to injustice in our world," she said.

Later that night, Utica NAACP will celebrate its 40th annual Dr. King Tribute at St. Paul’s Baptist Church. The Tribute March will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program will follow shortly after.

The event is free and open to the public.

Utica NAACP President Venice Ervin noted the significance of the celebration.

“The annual march and program gives citizens of the community the unique opportunity to learn and unite in celebration of Dr. King’s groundbreaking work," he said.

A reason to celebrate

The Mohawk Valley Frontiers Group will also partake in its 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 15. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hart's Hill Inn in Whitesboro.

Admission costs $50.00 per person or $400.00 for a table of eight. Contact Unice Elliot-Jefferson at 315-534-4029 or via email at uelliot3@aol.com to purchase a ticket.

This year’s program will honor Marquis Phillips and Jennifer Woodman, two individuals who exemplify Dr. King’s teachings through their charitable programs and actions, Elliot-Jefferson said.

Phillips was nominated for his engagement in issue advocacy; Woodman was selected for her commitment to youth initiatives.

“It seems as though progress has been made and yet today’s landscape appears quite similar to the mark at which Dr. King began his work,” said Elliot-Jefferson. “Collectively we must stand against hate and create a safe, unifying environment for all.”

RCIL Film

The Resource Center for Independent Living  (RCIL) is hosting a free screening of a film tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan.19.

Immediately following the film a panel consisting of Freddie Hamilton, Cheryl Minor, Roosevelt Patterson and Margaret Gallaway will discuss the pillars of Dr. King’s work.

Register by visiting https://bit.ly/41MNQiH.

Refreshments will be served.

The film is courtesy of New York State, the Mohawk Valley Hate and Bias Prevention Regional Council, and the Resource Center for Independent Living

Tuning in, from home

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the annual commemoration of Dr. King will be presented as a broadcast event, “New York Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” on PBS stations statewide this weekend.

“The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. calls us to service and social justice every day,” said Hochul. “This tribute is an opportunity to recommit our State to the collective goals of his activism.”

The hour-long tribute showcases New Yorkers across the state– Binghamton to Brooklyn, Albany to Ithaca– who embody the principles that shaped Dr. King’s legacy, the press release said.

Visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking beginning at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16 to tune in.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Local itinerary for Martin Luther King Jr. Day