Troy's 'Celebration of Freedom' Event Will Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

This Monday, honor the legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders at the 2012 “MLK – A Celebration of Freedom,” a tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The program will take place at 8:30 a.m. Monday at . There is no charge to attend, though donations will be accepted to help organize next year’s program. All ages are welcome.

“We look forward to capturing the spirit of Dr. King and remembering his life through this celebration,” Cindy Stewart, director of Community Affairs for the , said.  “This family event is a meaningful way to pause and reflect on his uncompromising dedication to garnering civil rights for all people.” 

The Celebration of Freedom kicks off with a welcome by Padma Kuppa, outreach chair from and one of the Founding Members of the .  She will also lead the symbolic Unity Walk with students and the Drumline around Troy  Athens High School.

After the Unity Walk, keynote speaker Dr. Ray C. Johnson will speak. Johnson founded and assisted in the development of schools across the country and has been a pioneer in the realm of character education, accelerated learning, multicultural and African-centered curriculum through his groundbreaking site-based management. He has elevated parental and community involvement to record-breaking levels. 

Due to his unique ability to engage the reluctant learner and raise student achievement, Johnson has earned the distinction of being one of the country’s top educational consultants. Armed with the mission of providing world-class education for all children, he has worked with countless school districts, universities, and government agencies reaching to develop and empower thousands through his many seminars in curriculum development, organizational psychology, and student motivation. In an effort to bolster self-esteem and foster values, Johnson formed two organizations: Man-to-Man and S.E.L.F. (Sisters Empowered through Love and Friendship) mentoring programs targeting boys and girls ages four through 21.

The event will also include a music performance – “A Celebration of Diversity” – by the Troy Honors Choir, which is comprised students in fifth through eighth grade representing the Troy elementary and middle schools.  A dance performance by the MLK Dancers, sponsored by the Troy African American Parent Network (TAAPN), will follow the choir performance.

In addition, there will be a Troy School District student art exhibit, and high school winners of the MLK Essay Contest will be recognized; this year’s essay theme is “What Influence has the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Had on You?"

“We received hundreds of essays from students about how Dr. King’s legacy has affected them and how they are taking action to make the City of Troy a better place,” said Kerry Birmingham, spokesperson for Troy School District. “From accepting others within our diverse community to exploring other’s unique viewpoints, the efforts demonstrated in the essays were amazing. It’s truly inspiring to see that Dr. King’s words and actions are still living on in our youth.”

There will also be a continental breakfast prepared by Sodexo Food Service immediately following the program.

Organized by the City of Troy and the Troy School District, this year’s event is sponsored by: Alliance Mobile Health, , Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence, , Sodexo Food Service, Troy Interfaith Group, Community Bowling Centers – Troy Lanes & Bowl One, WOW! Internet*Cable*Phone, and .

Source: Cindy Stewart, City of Troy